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Cooperative Research Units

Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and to provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. There are 43 units in 41 states (Indiana new 2023). Our national office is at the USGS HQ in Reston, VA.

News

USGS EcoNews | Spring 2024 - Vol. 5 | Issue 2 - Vol. 5 | Issue 2

Mapped: 33 new big game migrations across American West

Mapped: 33 new big game migrations across American West

Friday's Findings - March 22, 2024

Friday's Findings - March 22, 2024

Publications

Ungulate migrations of the Western United States, volume 4

Broadly distributed across the Western United States, ungulates (hooved mammals) play an important role in ecosystem function by affecting vegetation communities and forming the prey base for large carnivores. Additionally, ungulates provide economic benefits to regional communities through tourism and hunting and hold cultural significance for many Tribal communities. Many ungulates migrate seaso
Authors
Matthew Kauffman, Blake Lowrey, Chloe Beaupre, Scott Bergen, Stefanie Bergh, Kevin Blecha, Samantha Bundick, Hunter Burkett, James W. Cain III, Peyton Carl, David Casady, Corey Class, Alyson Courtemanch, Michelle Cowardin, Jennifer Diamond, Katie Dugger, Orrin Duvuvuei, Joanna R. Ennis, Michelle Flenner, Jessica Fort, Gary Fralick, Ian Freeman, Jeff Gagnon, David Garcelon, Kyle Garrison, Emily Gelzer, Evan Greenspan, Valerie Hinojoza-Rood, Pat Hnilicka, Andy Holland, Brian Hudgens, Bart Kroger, Art Lawson, Cody McKee, Jennifer L. McKee, Jerod Merkle, Tony W. Mong, Haley Nelson, Brendan Oates, Marie-Pier Poulin, Craig Reddell, Robert Ritson, Hall Sawyer, Cody Schroeder, Jessie Shapiro, Scott Sprague, Erik Steiner, Alethea Steingisser, Sam Stephens, Blair Stringham, Patrick Ryan Swazo-Hinds, Nicole Tatman, Cody F. Wallace, Don Whittaker, Benjamin Wise, Heiko U. Wittmer, Erin Wood

At-a-Glance—Summary of the 2023 U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Unit Program Year in Review

IntroductionEstablished in 1935, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (CRU) program is a unique partnership among the USGS, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As of 2023, there are 43 CRUs in 41 states that fall under three supervisory regions and a Nati
Authors
Caroline E. Murphy, Elise R. Irwin, Dawn E. Childs, Donald E. Dennerline, Jonathan R. Mawdsley

The effects of wastewater reuse on smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) relative abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed, USA

Municipal and industrial wastewater effluent is an important source of water for lotic systems, especially during periods of low flow. The accumulated wastewater effluent flows—expressed as a percentage of total streamflow (ACCWW%)—contain chemical mixtures that pose a risk to aquatic life; fish may be particularly vulnerable when chronically exposed. Although there has been considerable focus on
Authors
Tyler Wagner, Paul McLaughlin, Kaycee E. Faunce, Samuel H. Austin, Kelly Smalling

Science

Visit a Specific Unit

Established in 1935, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (CRU) program is a unique partnership among the USGS, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As of 2023, there are 43 CRUs in 41 states that fall under three supervisory regions and a National Program...
link

Visit a Specific Unit

Established in 1935, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (CRU) program is a unique partnership among the USGS, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As of 2023, there are 43 CRUs in 41 states that fall under three supervisory regions and a National Program...
Learn More

2022 Year in Review

This has been another outstanding year for the CRU Program, and I am pleased to provide you with our 2022 Year in Review report. Highlights of this past year include the creation of our 42nd unit at Michigan State University and the completion of hiring activities for 37 new unit scientists in 31 States. In this report, you will learn more about the spectacular accomplishments of our students...
link

2022 Year in Review

This has been another outstanding year for the CRU Program, and I am pleased to provide you with our 2022 Year in Review report. Highlights of this past year include the creation of our 42nd unit at Michigan State University and the completion of hiring activities for 37 new unit scientists in 31 States. In this report, you will learn more about the spectacular accomplishments of our students...
Learn More

Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed

Issue: Municipal and industrial wastewater effluent is an important source of water for streams and rivers, especially during periods of low flow. The reuse of wastewater effluent may become even more important if climate change exacerbates low streamflow and drought conditions. However, wastewater effluent often contains chemicals that, when chronically present, can affect the health of aquatic...
link

Wastewater reuse may be detrimental to smallmouth bass abundance in the Shenandoah River Watershed

Issue: Municipal and industrial wastewater effluent is an important source of water for streams and rivers, especially during periods of low flow. The reuse of wastewater effluent may become even more important if climate change exacerbates low streamflow and drought conditions. However, wastewater effluent often contains chemicals that, when chronically present, can affect the health of aquatic...
Learn More

Multimedia

scientist smiling with blond curly hair, glasses, wearing an orange jacket and yellow vest, near water , mountains and a rainbow
Christina Murphy
Christina Murphy
scientist smiling, with short blond/red hair, wearing a blue shirt
Kevin Pope
Kevin Pope
scientist smiling, wearing a gray vest, blue shirt, holding a fish on a boat with a dog
Michael Quist
Michael Quist
students wearing green hoop nets on their heads
People carry damp hoop nets on their heads
People carry damp hoop nets on their heads
4 people standing near a green tree in a brown canyon
People preparing to hike out of upper Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, Arizona
People preparing to hike out of upper Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, Arizona
graduate student holding a fish, near a river, wearing a blue hat, black sunglasses, and blue shirt
Javan Bauder
Javan Bauder
graduate student in an icy cave, wearing a black shirt and orange backpack
Brett Degregorio
Brett Degregorio
person with blue sweatshirt and green waders holding a green walleye fish
Walleye
Walleye
graduate student wearing orange flotation device and blue shirt holding a clip board.
Brandon Barlow conducting a creel survey to gather socioecological data in Nebraska.
Brandon Barlow conducting a creel survey to gather socioecological data in Nebraska.