The USGS Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) comprises a dispersed science community collocated with DOI agencies, academic institutions, or proximal to critical ecosystems. WERC scientists conduct peer-reviewed research using innovative tools to provide natural resource managers with the knowledge to address challenges to ecosystem function and service in Pacific West landscapes. Four Scientific Themes define the research of WERC scientists: Species and Landscape Response to Human Activity Renewable energy development, urbanization, water abatement, prescribed fires, barriers to movement, and invasive species are among key factors that impact Pacific western US natural resources. To identify potential impacts of these factors, [...]
Summary
The USGS Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) comprises a dispersed science community collocated with DOI agencies, academic institutions, or proximal to critical ecosystems. WERC scientists conduct peer-reviewed research using innovative tools to provide natural resource managers with the knowledge to address challenges to ecosystem function and service in Pacific West landscapes. Four Scientific Themes define the research of WERC scientists:
Species and Landscape Response to Human Activity
Renewable energy development, urbanization, water abatement, prescribed fires, barriers to movement, and invasive species are among key factors that impact Pacific western US natural resources. To identify potential impacts of these factors, WERC scientists collect and interpret data from telemetry, field survey, GIS, and landscape genetic studies to document effects of current and predicted human activities on wildlife populations, habitats, and ecosystems.
Stressors to Species and Habitat Recovery
DOI and resource agencies are responsible for restoring protected environments and imperiled species. To inform recovery and restoration strategies, WERC scientists conduct studies that identify key stressors that can limit a species’ recovery, and assess the competing risk factors and management options for restoration. WERC scientists and collaborators provide expertise on potential effects of environmental contamination, disease, climate change, habitat degradation, genetic viability, and behavioral modification on recovery and restoration.
Ecosystem Processes and Long-Term Trends
Detecting species and habitat responses to natural or human-related stressors require an understanding of ecosystem function based on long-term monitoring of ecological communities. WERC scientists study fundamental processes of species of concern that include trophic interactions, population dynamics, and habitat requirements, and response to density-independent factors (e.g., fire regimes, climate change). WERC scientists provide DOI and other resource agencies the information to anticipate, identify, and prioritize species, habitats, ecosystems, and to understand effects of these density-independent factors.
Ecological Applications for Resource Management Use
DOI and resource agencies need science interpreted into applicable conservation strategies, actions, and policy. WERC scientists translate and synthesize ecological information into decision and predictive models, interactive maps, climate change impact forecasts, hazard risk scenarios, adaptive management strategies, online databases, research briefings, digital visualizations, and publications that clarify science and problems affecting natural resources, and that contribute to workable solutions for management agencies.