News
National News Releases
Browse through a comprehensive list of all national USGS news items.
Interagency Statement: USGS and Partners Investigating DC Area Bird Mortality Event
In late May, wildlife managers in Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. No definitive cause of death is identified at this time.
USGS, FWS Report Highlights Impacts of Sediment Management on Barrier Islands, Wildlife and Ecosystems
Coastal sediment management practices, such as dredging and beach nourishment, can have beneficial and detrimental impacts on the physical and ecological resiliency of barrier islands, particularly when sediment is removed from one barrier island system and placed in another, according to a report released today.
President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Makes Significant Investments in USGS Initiatives
Budget proposal promotes science to address climate change, support economic growth, and inform balanced decisions regarding resources
Entire U.S. West Coast Now Has Access to ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning
After 15 years of planning and development, the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system is now available to more than 50 million people in California, Oregon and Washington, the most earthquake-prone region in the conterminous U.S.
White-Nose Syndrome Killed Over 90% of Three North American Bat Species
White-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of northern long-eared, little brown and tri-colored bat populations in fewer than 10 years, according to a new study published in Conservation Biology. Researchers also noted declines in Indiana bat and big brown bat populations.
New USGS Analysis of Wind Turbine Upgrades Shows No Impact on Wildlife Mortality
CORVALLIS, ORE. – Reduction in wildlife mortality rates is sometimes cited as a potential benefit to the replacement of older, smaller turbines by larger, next generation turbines. In contrast, others have expressed concern that newer, larger turbines may actually increase bird and bat deaths.
Low Risk of Researchers Passing Coronavirus to North American Bats
The risk is low that scientists could pass coronavirus to North American bats during winter research, according to a new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey.
New Research Highlights Decline of Greater Sage-Grouse in the American West, Provides Roadmap to Aid Conservation
RESTON, Va. – Greater sage-grouse populations have declined significantly over the last six decades, with an 80% rangewide decline since 1965 and a nearly 40% decline since 2002, according to a new report by the U.S. Geological Survey. Although the overall trend clearly shows continued population declines over the entire range of the species, rates of change vary regionally.
Drought May Lead to Elevated Levels of Naturally Occurring Arsenic in Private Domestic Wells
An estimated 4.1 million people in the lower 48 states are potentially exposed to arsenic levels that exceed EPA’s drinking water standards
Parts of US’s Southernmost States will “Tropicalize” as Climate Changes
Cold-sensitive plants, animals moving north due to fewer, weaker winter freezes
New Report Highlights Declining Sagebrush Ecosystem, Provides Foundation for Next Generation of Conservation and Management
Fort Collins, CO – Considered one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the world and home to mule deer, pronghorn, sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits and more than 350 other species of conservation concern, the sagebrush ecosystem continues to shrink rapidly due to a host of growing threats, according to a new scientific report.
Loss of Scientific Integrity Finding at USGS National Water Quality Lab
Background Information