The USGS must be able to mobilize its full strengths to address high-priority concerns within and across the array of business activities. The organization also must develop innovative paradigms for prompt USGS-wide response to emerging issues. Ensuring relevance to society's needs depends on the ability to develop and communicate program priorities that are recognized, understood, and supported across organizational boundaries.

Following are the eight USGS business activities:

• Water Availability and Quality
• Natural Hazards
• Geographic and Cartographic Information
• Contaminated Environments
• Land and Water Use
• Nonrenewable Resources
• Environmental Effects on Human Health
• Biological Resources

USGS scientist taking pH in an algal mat at an acid mine drainage site in southern Virginia.