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Powering Progress

How Science Can Fuel the Energy Resources Life Cycle

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USGS Wildland Fire Science

USGS science helps understand the causes, consequences, and benefits of wildfire and helps prevent and manage larger, catastrophic events.

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USGS Drought Science

Helping managers understand the interactions that determine the magnitude and impact of drought on water availability and ecosystems across the Nation

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Ecosystems Science at USGS

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The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

Learn more about us through a visual geonarrative

Our Story

EcoNews

A USGS Ecosystems Mission Area Newsletter

EcoNews Issues

Friday's Findings

A Public Webinar Series

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Ecosystems Mission Area

The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area provides science that directly benefits the health, safety, and prosperity of the American people by providing trusted and timely information to help address the Nation’s toughest management and conservation issues impacting public lands and the surrounding communities that benefit from them. 

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USGS Science for Food & Water Security

A view of a farm field in Iowa

USGS Ecosystems Mission Area science helps ensure safe and abundant domestic food and water supplies, ensuring all Americans access to livelihoods and traditions that connect generations with each other and the outdoors and strengthen America’s self-reliance

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USGS Science for Public Safety & Security

Before and after pictures - Hurricane Rita and Holly Beach, Louisiana, USA

Science within the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area provides a critical advantage in addressing public safety, infrastructure, and security issues surrounding natural disasters and changing landscapes, strengthening America’s ability to be a hazard ready Nation. 

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USGS Science for Economic Growth

A pronghorn stands in front of oil and gas development infrastructure, Vernal, Utah

Science provided by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area helps boost America’s economy by providing practical tools to implement cost-effective management and development strategies that supports the Nation’s economic growth and protects our natural heritage.

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News

NOROCK Research in Support of Native Amphibians

NOROCK Research in Support of Native Amphibians

Cycle of a Bird Band

Cycle of a Bird Band

Every Bird Counts – Delivering Gold Standard Science for North America’s Birds

Every Bird Counts – Delivering Gold Standard Science for North America’s Birds

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Publications

Building resilience in dryland ecosystems: A climate adaptation strategy menu for pinyon–juniper woodlands Building resilience in dryland ecosystems: A climate adaptation strategy menu for pinyon–juniper woodlands

Pinyon–juniper (PJ) woodlands, one of the most extensive mature and old-growth woodland types in the Western United States, provide critical ecological, cultural, and economic benefits but face increasing threats from climate change, altered disturbance regimes, invasive species, and pests. We developed the PJ Woodland Climate Adaptation Management Menu, a decision support tool designed...
Authors
Jesse Gray, Mandy L. Slate, Alyson Ennis, Courtney Peterson, John B. Bradford, Adam Roy Noel, Michael C. Duniway, Tara B. Bishop, Ian P. Barrett, Chris Domschke, Joel T. Humphries, Nicole N. Barger
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Modeling chronic wasting disease transmission risk in mule deer related to habitat characteristics Modeling chronic wasting disease transmission risk in mule deer related to habitat characteristics

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease of cervids that spreads to uninfected individuals through direct transmission (contact with infected individuals), vertical transmission (from mother to offspring), or indirect transmission (exposure to contaminated environments). The risk of indirect transmission is unevenly distributed on the landscape, and risk levels are expected to be
Authors
Erica Meta Christensen, Nathan J. Kleist, David R. Edmunds, Julie A. Heinrichs, D. Joanne Saher, Ashley L. Whipple, Melia DeVivo, Cameron L. Aldridge
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Using structured decision-making to develop a communications strategy for the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program Using structured decision-making to develop a communications strategy for the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program

Communication regarding the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Research Units Program (CRU) can take many forms, yet clear and concise messaging for various audiences is critical to highlight program accomplishments and increase visibility. Before the work described in this report, CRU did not have a communication strategy; therefore, CRU leadership supported a...
Authors
Kelly Filer Robinson, Sarah Nelson Sells, Conor P. McGowan, Elise R. Irwin
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units
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Science

Polar bear mother and two cubs on the Beaufort Sea ice.

Polar Bear Research

Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) are one of 4 marine mammal species managed by the U.S. Department of Interior. The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat. Our studies, ongoing since 1985, are focused on population dynamics, health and energetics...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Polar Bear Research

Polar Bear Research

Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) are one of 4 marine mammal species managed by the U.S. Department of Interior. The USGS Alaska Science Center leads long–term research on polar bears to inform local, state, national and international policy makers regarding conservation of the species and its habitat. Our studies, ongoing since 1985, are focused on population dynamics, health and energetics...
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Caribou roaming the Arctic Coastal Plain

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Terrestrial Mammal Research

Terrestrial Mammal Research

Understanding the population dynamics, predator/prey relationships and habitat ecology of terrestrial mammals, such as caribou and muskoxen, is critical for the management of these species and their habitats in Alaska.
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Image: Marking Whooper Swan

USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: Animal Welfare Assurance

The Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA) provides support for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at EMA science centers across the nation.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Cooperative Research Units, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Environmental Health Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program
USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: Animal Welfare Assurance

USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: Animal Welfare Assurance

The Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA) provides support for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) at EMA science centers across the nation.
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