Science and Research Program

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has been a key organization in promoting sound resource management by working to strengthen cooperation between federal, state, private, and international agencies and partners. Within the organization, the Science and Research Program is in a unique position to represent the needs of state agencies on a wide range of activities related to fish and wildlife conservation.

The goals of the Science and Research Program seek to expand and enhance scientific capabilities and services by matching state research needs with the science capabilities of Federal agencies. Science and Research topics are defined based on wildlife, fisheries, and aquatic research areas identified by the states and then developed into initiatives and programs that have benefits that are relevant to resource managers.

The Science and Research Liaison works closely with a variety of partners to initiate and provide timely, credible, science based information that can be used by resource mangers to protect and manage fish, wildlife, and their habitats in the public interest.

For further information, contact Amber Pairis at apairis@fishwildlife.org.

Federal Agency Partners

USGS-Biological Resources Discipline (BRD)

USGS-BRD works with partners to provide the scientific information and technology required to support the sound management and conservation of the Nation's biological resources. Key partners include Interior bureaus, other Federal agencies, States, and private organizations with regional and ecosystem-specific interests. USGS-BRD develops scientific and statistically reliable methods and protocols to predict synthesize, analyze, and disseminate biological and ecological information. USGS-BRD strives for quality, integrity, and credibility of its research and technology by constantly improving its scientific programs through internal quality control, external peer review, and competitive funding. BRD is involved in a variety of research activities that are focused on national and regional issues including the GAP Analysis Program, Global Change Research Program, National Biological Information Infrastructure, National Water Quality Assessment Program, Status and Trends Monitoring, and the North American Breeding Bird Survey among others. For more information please visit them online.

USGS-Water Resource Discipline (WRD)

USGS-WRD operates in every State and provides water information that benefits the Nation's citizens. USGS-WRD is focused on providing reliable, impartial, and timely information that is needed to understand the Nation's water resources. Land use is a primary factor affecting the quality of water resources in many areas . Human activities associated with urban and agricultural are the primary factors that affect the quality of streams and the health of aquatic life. Although concentrations of most chemical constituents detected in stream samples generally meet Federal and State water-quality guidelines, current guidelines do not address many of these chemicals nor the combinations (mixtures) of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial and fuel-related compounds. Study findings indicate that urban and suburban development, especially when it replaces forest and wetlands, results in changes in the natural flow of streams, habitat degradation, reduction in biological diversity, and a shift toward species more tolerant of disturbance. For further information please visit them online.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

In 2005, the USFWS announced the creation of the Science Excellence Initiative and formation of a Science Committee to help fulfill their mission. The initiative is focused on strengthening scientific goals towards the conservation of species and habitat by expanding capacity for science, promoting partnerships, and investing in future generations of USFWS scientists. The Science Committee will provide a venue for collaboration on science issues throughout the Service, and help identify needs and opportunities that cut across programs and regions. For additional information please visit them online.

National Park Service: Biology and Resource Management Division ( BRMD)

The mission of the NPS BRMD is to preserve, protect, and manage biological resources and related ecosystem processes in the National Park System. In many parts of the country the National Park System represent the last remnants of what were once large areas of undisturbed ecosystems. NPS BRMD provides expert scientific, planning, and evaluation assistance on management actions and biological resource management issues. BRMD is involved is a variety of research projects including Biological Inventories, Ecosystem Restoration, Endangered Species, Integrated Pest Mangement, Invasive Species, Migratory Birds, Wildlife Health, and Wildlife Management. For further information please visit them online.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The BLM oversees' more than 260 million surface acres of America 's public lands, located primarily in 12 Western States. BLM's multiple-use mission is focused on sustaining healthy and productive public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. BLM activities focus on managing outdoor recreation activities, livestock grazing, mining development and energy production, and the conservation of natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands. The Fish, Wildlife and Botany Group provides leadership to the BLM's mission by providing advice, guidance and information to protect, conserve, and improve fish, wildlife and botanical resources. For more infomraiton please visit them online.

USDA Forest Service

The USDA Forest Service Ecosystem Management Coordination Staff has developed a new candidate method to monitor and inventory of wildlife and fisheries resources on Forest Service lands. This method has yet to be adopted by the Forest Service and is still under consideration. The Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM) Technical Guide is a tool for generating information on the status and trends of a wide array of wildlife and plant species to inform Forest Service managers, the public, and other interested parties about management effectiveness and desired conditions on National Forest System lands. It is based on the existing national array of Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) points. A three year pilot study of the MSIM techniques was performed in the Sierra Nevada to refine methodologies and to provide cost estimates/meet the management information needs of the Forest Service to accomplish its mission and meet current and future management challenges. For further information, contact Dr. Bea VanHorne at bvanhorne@fs.fed.us or visit them online.



USDA- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

USDA-APHIS is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. The APHIS mission is an integral part of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) efforts to provide the Nation with safe and affordable food. In recent years, the scope of APHIS' protection function has expanded beyond pest and disease management. Because of its technical expertise and leadership in assessing and regulating the risks associated with agricultural imports, APHIS has assumed a greater role in the global agricultural arena. APHIS' protection role also includes wildlife damage management, the welfare of animals, human health and safety, and ecosystems vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens. For more information http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ .

For further information, contact Amber Pairis at apairis@fishwildlife.org.

Important Links:

Aquatic Nuisance Species Workshop - New!

Avian Influenza

Deer-Cervid Immunocontraception


"Wind Power Siting Regulations and Wildlife Guidelines in the United States" - PDF - New!



Current Projects:


Aquatic Nuisance Species

Climate Change- New!

Invasive Species

National Fish Habitat Action Plan
Wind Power and Wildlife

Committees

Science and Research

Energy and Policy

Invasive Species

Global Climate Change

Federal Partners:

USGS BRD

USGS Water

USFWS

National Park Service

BLM

USDA Forest Service

USDA APHIS