Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Welcome Message from the Acting Chief

"Welcome to the Cooperative Research Units Program—America’s premier model of cooperative federalism in action."

Media
scientist smiling, with short blond/red hair, wearing a blue shirt

Welcome to the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program!

Since 1935, we have tackled the natural-resource issues that matter most to Americans.  Our work supports decisions that sustain fish and wildlife populations and enhance outdoor experiences central to America’s heritage—hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, wildlife watching, nature photography, and more.  These activities fuel a thriving $1 trillion outdoor-recreation economy, supporting jobs, communities, and traditions across our beautiful country. 

Our mandated mission is clear and constant: graduate education, applied research, and technical assistance, all focused on the real-world needs of wildlife and fisheries management.

We proudly unite State fish and game agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. We deeply value every cooperator and collaborator.  Together, we educate tomorrow’s managers and empower today’s managers with innovative tools and smart solutions for complex problems in wildlife and fisheries management.  

Thank you for visiting. We invite you to explore our webpages to see how we leverage partnerships to achieve our mission. Discover how you can make a meaningful difference by serving people and advancing science in wild places across America and beyond.

Was this page helpful?