Conservation, Quantitative, and Restoration Ecology

Conservation Ecology scientists support resource management agencies through lab and field studies that evaluate contamination, behavior, invasive species, fire, the persistence and fate of land management chemicals, and the causality of species and/or population declines with an emphasis on threatened or endangered species.    

Restoration Ecology scientists develop methods for evaluating the success of ecological restoration with an emphasis on monitoring ecosystem structure and function.  Much of the effort is in support of the DOI's Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program and directed toward restoration in contaminated habitats.  The methods developed are intended to help resource managers ensure restoration activities lead to the recovery of ecosystem services.

Qualitative Ecology scientists conduct risk assessments to understand the potential spread of invasive species, and habitat characteristics that may influence their distribution.  They also conduct population and energetic modeling to understand habitat requirements of species at risk such as the pallid sturgeon.