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This site explores real-life examples of USGS science applied to societal challenges. USGS scientists use innovative, state-of-the-art methods to understand the Earth. Our science is used by Federal, Tribal, State, and local agencies, and the private sector to solve increasingly complex issues and ensure a secure, healthy, and economically prosperous America. Check back for new stories. 

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Busy as Bees to Help Protect Pollinators

Busy as Bees to Help Protect Pollinators

In late 2006, beekeepers across the United States reported sudden, dramatic losses in honey bee colonies. Similar losses were reported in 2007 and for...

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Protecting California’s Bay-Delta with Innovative Science

Protecting California’s Bay-Delta with Innovative Science

California's Bay-Delta is facing ongoing drought and declining fish populations. The water in the Delta arrives primarily from the Sacramento and San...

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Tracking Critical Minerals to Ensure National Preparedness

Tracking Critical Minerals to Ensure National Preparedness

On an ordinary Tuesday in 2014, David Pineault, an economist at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), reviewed his specialized reports and came to a...

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Information Flows Freely, Even in a Drought

Information Flows Freely, Even in a Drought

The Colorado River system provides about 35 million Americans with a portion of their water supply. It irrigates 5½ million acres of land in the West...

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Landsat Eyes Help Guard the World’s Forests

Landsat Eyes Help Guard the World’s Forests

“We’re seeing the loss of forests in many places,” said Matthew Hansen, a professor at the University of Maryland. “Dynamics include increasing...

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Preparing for the Storm: Predicting Where Our Coasts Are at Risk

Preparing for the Storm: Predicting Where Our Coasts Are at Risk

Living in the Outer Banks means living with the power of the sea. Jutting out from North Carolina’s coast into the Atlantic Ocean, this series of...

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A Breakthrough in Controlling Invasive Fish

A Breakthrough in Controlling Invasive Fish

On a windy July morning on Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, fisherman Ralph Wilcox of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and his son, Dan...

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Advancing Wind Energy and Avoiding Wildlife Conflicts

Advancing Wind Energy and Avoiding Wildlife Conflicts

Our Nation works to advance renewable energy and to avoid conflicts with and conserve wildlife.

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Preparing for Tsunami Hazards on Washington’s Pacific Coast

Preparing for Tsunami Hazards on Washington’s Pacific Coast

Hours before Japan was struck by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and the ensuing catastrophic tsunami, John Schelling spoke at a public meeting in the...

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Predicting Postfire Debris Flows Saves Lives

Predicting Postfire Debris Flows Saves Lives

When wildfires spread and scorch the earth, people like Penny Luehring have to act fast. Secondary impacts such as debris flows can be devastating to...

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Protecting the Sagebrush Landscape of the Quintessential West

Protecting the Sagebrush Landscape of the Quintessential West

The sagebrush landscape has long been valued by humans; first by the Native Americans, who lived off the resources in this vast landscape, then the...

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Exploring Gas Hydrates as a Future Energy Source

Exploring Gas Hydrates as a Future Energy Source

In the past decade, the development of the Barnett, Eagle Ford, Marcellus, and other shales has dominated the national consciousness regarding natural...

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