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Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review

Circular 1438
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1438

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Abstract

The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program was involved in a number of notable events during 2017, many concerning our personnel. Dr. Barry Grand left his position as Leader of the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to become the Cooperative Units Program Supervisor for the South, replacing Dr. Kevin Whalen who took over as Supervisor for the West. We welcomed Dr. Sarah Converse who left the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center to become Leader of the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Dr. Amanda Rosenberger joined the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit as Assistant Leader, transferring from the Missouri Cooperative Unit. Dr. Scott Carleton left his position as Assistant Unit Leader in New Mexico to become Chief of the Region 2 Migratory Bird Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

We said farewell to many colleagues who retired. Their departure is bittersweet as we wish them health, happiness, and wellness in retirement. We will miss their companionship and the extraordinary contributions they have made to the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program and conservation.

The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program has a record high number of vacant scientist positions due to a combination of retirements and base funding short-falls. These issues are affecting our ability to meet cooperator needs. Yet, we remain highly productive. For example, this year we released a report (https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1427) containing abstracts of nearly 600 of our research projects, covering thematic areas ranging from advanced technologies to wildlife diseases. We provided highly competent, trained scientists and natural resource managers for our cooperators’ workforce. We delivered technical training and guidance to professional practitioners. We provided critical information to cooperators for decisions on species status assessments and management of species of greatest conservation need.

This year we had an active presence at major national meetings, including the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference where we co-sponsored a workshop on continuing education as a means to bridge the gap between science and management. During the coming year, with support from the U.S. Geological Survey and our cooperators, we intend to reduce the number of vacancies in the program. It will take time and active support of our cooperators to get back to full strength, but I am committed to this goal and encouraged by the resolve of our partners. We look forward to an even more productive year in 2018!

Suggested Citation

Organ, J.F., Thompson, J.D., Dennerline, D.E., and Childs, D.E., 2018, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review (ver. 2.0, February 28, 2018): U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1438, 68 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1438.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

ISSN: 1067-084X (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Chief’s Message
  • Background
  • Coop Unit Mission and Facts 
  • Training the Conservation Workforce—Education and Youth 
  • Leveraging Resources 
  • Outreach and Training 
  • Technical Assistance 
  • Budget and Staffing 
  • Current (2017) Vacancies 
  • Science Themes
  • Where Are They Now?
  • Accolades 
  • Awards and Honors 
  • Professional Services 
  • 2017 North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference
  • National Cooperators’ Coalition Update 
  • List of Cooperators
  • List of Species 
  • Photograph Credits 
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review
Series title Circular
Series number 1438
ISBN 978-1-4113-4198-2
DOI 10.3133/cir1438
Edition Version 1.0: Originally posted February 8, 2018; Version 2.0: February 28, 2018
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Seattle
Description iii, 67 p.
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details