Vegetation growth is assisting the Muddy Creek channel in becoming deeper and narrower (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
Patrick Anderson
Pat is a Biologist at the Fort Collins Science Center where he leads USGS science team in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI). He serves on the interagency WLCI Coordination Team since 2007 which provides oversight on the identification, selection, and effectiveness of WLCI habitat conservation and enhancement actions across the 19 million-acre WLCI area.
Pat Anderson is a biologist whose research seeks to advance the understanding of sagebrush plant communities and how natural drivers and management practices influence long-term change. Pat leads the USGS science team in support of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI). Pat also serves on the WLCI interagency coordination Team. His science focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of habitat treatments and restoration of sagebrush and aspen communities. Pat is also interested in collaborative conservation partnerships, improving stakeholder engagement, and developing approaches to advance the co-design and coproduction of science to make it more accessible and usable. These interests are applied to the WLCI but also put into practice by being a member of the USGS Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST) team. The ASIST team is a landscape scale project to accelerate interdisciplinary science and application of advanced technology for stakeholder-driven challenges in the Colorado River Basin.
Professional Experience
Biologist, USGS-WLCI Coordinator, Fort Collins Science Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Ft. Collins, CO: June 2019 - Present
USGS WLCI Coordination Team, Fort Collins Science Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Ft. Collins, CO: January 2007 - Present
Program co-coordinator, USGS Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends Program, USGS status and Trends Program, 2005 - 2007.
Biologist, USGS Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends Program, USGS status and Trends Program, 1997 - 2007
Biological Technician, Northern Prarie Science Center, Jamestown, ND. May 1994 - December, 1996
Education and Certifications
M.S. University of Southern Illinois, Carbondale, IL, 1991
B.S. University of Southern Illinois, Carbondale, IL, 1985
Science and Products
How can I coproduce science?
What level of coproduction makes sense for my project?
What does coproduction look like in the public lands context?
A problem-solving checklist for coproduction
Suggested communication deliverables for coproduced projects
U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region 2022 science exchange, showcasing interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art USGS science
Colorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST)
Presented abstracts from the U.S. Geological Survey 2020 Rocky Mountain Region Science Exchange (September 15–17, 2020)
Assessing vegetation recovery from energy development using a dynamic reference approach
Rocky Mountain Region Science Exchange 2020—EarthMAP and the Colorado River Basin
U.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report
Monitoring long-term riparian vegetation trends to inform local habitat management in a mountainous environment
Developing a toolkit for coproducing actionable science to support public land management
Understanding Local Resistance and Resilience to Future Habitat Change in the Sagebrush Ecosystem
Energy Development and Changing Land Uses
Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Inventory and Long-Term Monitoring
Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Baseline Synthesis
Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Mechanistic Studies of Wildlife
Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Effectiveness Monitoring
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI)
Pygmy Rabbit Distribution and Abundance Relative to Ongoing Energy Development in Wyoming
Sagebrush recovery analyzed with a dynamic reference approach in southwestern Wyoming, USA 1985-2018
A snapshot of stakeholder science needs related to drought in the Colorado River Basin
Predicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) estimates for rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA (ver. 2.0, January 2021)
Predicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) estimates for rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA
Geospatial considerations for a multiorganizational, landscape-scale program
Vegetation growth is assisting the Muddy Creek channel in becoming deeper and narrower (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
USGS scientist Jason Alexander, a fluvial geomorphologist with the Wyoming Montana Water Science Center, explains how he used sediment traps to evaluate sediment deposition in Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
USGS scientist Jason Alexander, a fluvial geomorphologist with the Wyoming Montana Water Science Center, explains how he used sediment traps to evaluate sediment deposition in Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Muddy Creek reach showing bank erosion and the development of a point sandbar that is being stabilized by vegetation (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson.
Muddy Creek reach showing bank erosion and the development of a point sandbar that is being stabilized by vegetation (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson.
Small rodents disturb surface soil on banks which contribute to fine sediments in the upper reaches of Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Small rodents disturb surface soil on banks which contribute to fine sediments in the upper reaches of Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Similar nearby headwater streams are being evaluated to determine how shifts in habitat availability and connectivity in drought years affect fish populations (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Similar nearby headwater streams are being evaluated to determine how shifts in habitat availability and connectivity in drought years affect fish populations (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming. USGS science indicates that the development of the wetland complex and changes to livestock grazing management practices have greatly reduced severe bank erosion and stream headcutting over the last few decades. Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming. USGS science indicates that the development of the wetland complex and changes to livestock grazing management practices have greatly reduced severe bank erosion and stream headcutting over the last few decades. Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
Science and Products
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 37
How can I coproduce science?
An information sheet provided as part of a toolkit for researchers and practitioners with an interest in coproducing actionable science to support public land managementAuthorsLea B. Selby, Sarah K. Carter, Travis Haby, D. J. A. Wood, Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Patrick J. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Ella Samuel, John C. TullWhat level of coproduction makes sense for my project?
An informational tool provided as part of a toolkit for researchers and practitioners with an interest in coproducing actionable science to support public land managementAuthorsLea B. Selby, Sarah K. Carter, Travis Haby, D. J. A. Wood, Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Patrick J. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Ella M. Samuel, John C. TullWhat does coproduction look like in the public lands context?
An informational tool provided as part of a toolkit for researchers and practitioners with an interest in coproducing actionable science to support public land managementAuthorsLea B. Selby, Sarah K. Carter, Travis Haby, D. J. A. Wood, Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Patrick J. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Ella M. Samuel, John C. TullA problem-solving checklist for coproduction
An informational tool provided as part of a toolkit for researchers and practitioners with an interest in coproducing actionable science to support public land managementAuthorsLea B. Selby, Sarah K. Carter, Travis Haby, D. J. A. Wood, Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Patrick J. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Ella M. Samuel, John C. TullSuggested communication deliverables for coproduced projects
An informational tool provided as part of a toolkit for researchers and practitioners with an interest in coproducing actionable science to support public land managementAuthorsLea B. Selby, Sarah K. Carter, Travis Haby, D. J. A. Wood, Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, Patrick J. Anderson, Jeffrey E. Herrick, Ella M. Samuel, John C. TullU.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region 2022 science exchange, showcasing interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art USGS science
IntroductionThe Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River Basin in the Western United States represent complex, interconnected systems that sustain a number of species, including tens of millions of humans. These systems face several challenges, including worsening drought, altered wildfire regimes, climate change, and the spread of invasive species. These factors can exacerbate one another, furtherAuthorsDana E. Peterson, Katherine L. French, Jeannette H. Oden, Patrick J. Anderson, Timothy N. Titus, Katharine G. Dahm, Jessica M. Driscoll, William J. AndrewsByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Astrogeology Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science CenterColorado River Basin Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology (ASIST)
IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is initiating a study approach focused on building cross-disciplinary connections to weave together the scientific knowledge related to drought conditions and effects in the Colorado River Basin. The basin is experiencing the worst drought in recorded history, posing unprecedented new challenges in the basin and in areas relying on water from the basinAuthorsKatharine G. Dahm, Daniel Jones, Patrick J. Anderson, Meghan C. Dick, Todd Hawbaker, Robert HortonPresented abstracts from the U.S. Geological Survey 2020 Rocky Mountain Region Science Exchange (September 15–17, 2020)
The U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Region hosted scientists, managers, program coordinators, and leadership team members for a virtual Science Exchange during September 15–17, 2020. The Science Exchange had 216 registered participants and included 48 talks over the 3-day period. Invited speakers presented information about the novel U.S. Geological Survey Earth Monitoring, Analysis, and PreAssessing vegetation recovery from energy development using a dynamic reference approach
Ecologically relevant references are useful for evaluating ecosystem recovery, but references that are temporally static may be less useful when environmental conditions and disturbances are spatially and temporally heterogeneous. This challenge is particularly acute for ecosystems dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), where communities may require decades to recover from disturbance. We demonsAuthorsAdrian P. Monroe, Travis W. Nauman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Michael O'Donnell, Michael C. Duniway, Brian S. Cade, Daniel Manier, Patrick J. AndersonRocky Mountain Region Science Exchange 2020—EarthMAP and the Colorado River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) hosted USGS scientists, managers, program coordinators, and leadership team members for a virtual Science Exchange during September 15–17, 2020. The Science Exchange had 216 registered participants and included 48 talks over the 3-day period. Invited speakers presented information about the novel USGS Earth Monitoring, Analysis, and PreAuthorsAnne C. Tillery, Patrick J. Anderson, William J. Andrews, Katharine Dahm, Seth S. Haines, Robert Horton, David O'Leary, Ryan D. Taylor, Kathryn A. Thomas, Alicia TorregrosaByEcosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and TechnologyU.S. Geological Survey science for the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative—2018 annual report
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) was established in 2007 as a collaborative interagency partnership to develop and implement science-based conservation actions. During the past 11 years, partners from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), State and Federal land management agencies, universities, and the public have collaborated to implement a long-term (more than 10 years) science-basAuthorsPatrick J. Anderson, Cameron L. Aldridge, Jason S. Alexander, Timothy J. Assal, Steven Aulenbach, Zachary H. Bowen, Anna D. Chalfoun, Geneva W. Chong, Holly Copeland, David R. Edmunds, Steve Germaine, Tabitha Graves, Julie A. Heinrichs, Collin G. Homer, Christopher Huber, Aaron N. Johnston, Matthew J. Kauffman, Daniel J. Manier, Ryan R. McShane, Cheryl A. Eddy-Miller, Kirk A. Miller, Adrian P. Monroe, Michael S. O'Donnell, Anna Ortega, Annika W. Walters, Daniel J. Wieferich, Teal B. Wyckoff, Linda ZeigenfussMonitoring long-term riparian vegetation trends to inform local habitat management in a mountainous environment
Riparian ecosystems provide critical habitat for many species, yet assessment of vegetation condition at local scales is difficult to measure when considering large areas over long time periods. We present a framework to map and monitor two deciduous cover types, upland and riparian, occupying a small fraction of an expansive, mountainous landscape in north-central Wyoming. Initially, we developedAuthorsTimothy J. Assal, Valerie A. Steen, Todd Caltrider, Travis Cundy, Cheyenne Stewart, Nicholas Manning, Patrick J. Anderson - Science
Developing a toolkit for coproducing actionable science to support public land management
Coproduction is a highly collaborative approach to conducting science that focuses on producing actionable products that are used to inform natural resource management decisions. This project will develop an informational toolkit to facilitate coproduction between resource managers and science providers in the context of federal public land management.Understanding Local Resistance and Resilience to Future Habitat Change in the Sagebrush Ecosystem
The sagebrush ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife, including big-game and Greater sage-grouse. Historic and contemporary land-uses, large wildfires, exotic plant invasion, and woodland expansion all represent threats to this multiple-use landscape. Efforts of federal and state agencies and private landowners across the landscape are focused on restoration and maintenance of conditions that suppoEnergy Development and Changing Land Uses
Applied research and integrated regional assessments emphasize spatially explicit analyses of ecosystem components affected by energy development and land-use change in the western United States. Topics include sagebrush-steppe ecology; sagebrush habitat assessments; the effets of human activities (including energy development, transportation, and recreation) on habitats and wildlife behavior...Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Inventory and Long-Term Monitoring
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and climate changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Baseline Synthesis
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and climate changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Mechanistic Studies of Wildlife
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and climate changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative: Effectiveness Monitoring
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and climate changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI)
The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) addresses effects of land-use and climate changes on Southwest Wyoming’s natural resources. In partnership with twelve Federal, State, and local natural resource agencies, and non-governmental organizations– FORT and ten other USGS centers are conducting dozens of integrated science projects to assess the status of Southwest Wyoming’s natural...Pygmy Rabbit Distribution and Abundance Relative to Ongoing Energy Development in Wyoming
USGS scientists investigated the impact of oil and gas development on distribution of pygmy rabbit in Wyoming. - Data
Sagebrush recovery analyzed with a dynamic reference approach in southwestern Wyoming, USA 1985-2018
Identifying ecologically relevant reference sites is important for evaluating ecosystem recovery, but the relevance of references that are temporally static is unclear in the context of vast landscapes with disturbance and environmental contexts varying over space and time. This question is pertinent for landscapes dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) which face a suite of threats from disturbaA snapshot of stakeholder science needs related to drought in the Colorado River Basin
Stakeholder science needs were determined by reviewing more than 200 recently published literature items and web pages from Colorado River Basin (CRB) stakeholders. These stakeholder communications were used to characterize over 400 stakeholder science needs by reviewing their priorities, strategies, issues, missions, and concerns related to drought in the CRB. Members of the CRB Integrated SciencByArizona Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and TechnologyPredicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) estimates for rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA (ver. 2.0, January 2021)
In 'Predicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA (ver. 2.0, January 2021)', we provide spatially- and temporally-explicit maps of predictions for the rate of change and time to recovery and percent recovery of sagebrush cover after 100 years (Monroe et al. 2020). The rasters begiPredicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) estimates for rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA
In 'Predicted (1989-2015) and forecasted (2015-2114) estimates for rate of change and recovery of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) following energy development in southwestern Wyoming, USA', we provide spatially- and temporally-explicit maps of predictions for the rate of change and time to recovery and percent recovery of sagebrush cover after 100 years (Monroe et al. In Review). The rasters beginning - Maps
Geospatial considerations for a multiorganizational, landscape-scale program
Geospatial data play an increasingly important role in natural resources management, conservation, and science-based projects. The management and effective use of spatial data becomes significantly more complex when the efforts involve a myriad of landscape-scale projects combined with a multiorganizational collaboration. There is sparse literature to guide users on this daunting subject; therefor - Multimedia
MuddyCreekChannel.jpg
Vegetation growth is assisting the Muddy Creek channel in becoming deeper and narrower (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
Vegetation growth is assisting the Muddy Creek channel in becoming deeper and narrower (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
WLCI Tour at Littlefield CreekUSGS scientist Jason Alexander, a fluvial geomorphologist with the Wyoming Montana Water Science Center, explains how he used sediment traps to evaluate sediment deposition in Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
USGS scientist Jason Alexander, a fluvial geomorphologist with the Wyoming Montana Water Science Center, explains how he used sediment traps to evaluate sediment deposition in Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Muddy Creek ReachMuddy Creek reach showing bank erosion and the development of a point sandbar that is being stabilized by vegetation (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson.
Muddy Creek reach showing bank erosion and the development of a point sandbar that is being stabilized by vegetation (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson.
Burrowing rodents leave casts along Littlefield CreekBurrowing rodents leave casts along Littlefield CreekSmall rodents disturb surface soil on banks which contribute to fine sediments in the upper reaches of Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Small rodents disturb surface soil on banks which contribute to fine sediments in the upper reaches of Littlefield Creek (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
WLCI Field Site in Carbon County, WYSimilar nearby headwater streams are being evaluated to determine how shifts in habitat availability and connectivity in drought years affect fish populations (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Similar nearby headwater streams are being evaluated to determine how shifts in habitat availability and connectivity in drought years affect fish populations (Carbon County, Wyoming). Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS).
Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming.Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming.Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming. USGS science indicates that the development of the wetland complex and changes to livestock grazing management practices have greatly reduced severe bank erosion and stream headcutting over the last few decades. Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
Constructed wetland complex associated with Muddy Creek near Dad, Wyoming. USGS science indicates that the development of the wetland complex and changes to livestock grazing management practices have greatly reduced severe bank erosion and stream headcutting over the last few decades. Photo by Patrick Anderson (USGS)
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