Supporting Partners Since 1935

The Cooperative Research Units program was established in 1935—and codified by Congress in 1960—to enhance graduate education in fisheries and wildlife sciences, to facilitate applied research for fish and wildlife resources, and to transfer technical knowledge to natural resource agencies. Today, there are 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities, with a national program office located at the U.S. Geological Survey headquarters in Reston, Virginia (fig. 1). The program’s success stems from a collaborative focus on solving problems faced by State and Federal wildlife and fisheries managers.

Mission

The mission of the Cooperative Research Units program is to

Each unit is a unique partnership among the U.S. Geological Survey, a host university, one or more State agencies, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The units are staffed by 2 to 5 U.S. Geological Survey research scientists and are grouped into three regions, each with a U.S. Geological Survey supervisor.

“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has enjoyed a long-tenured relationship with the Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. By working together, we have increased the State’s scientific knowledge to move conservation forward in Arkansas. In addition, and just as importantly, we strongly believe that the investment in the students as future conservation professionals is fundamental and crucial to the future of wildlife and fisheries management. A close working relationship and partnership is the key to our success!” —Cory Gray, Chief of the Research Division, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

“I am truly grateful to be part of the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit where I am working on human dimensions of grizzly bear recovery in the Bitterroot Valley. My graduate experience has been shaped by dedicated researchers whose expertise in wildlife management inspires and challenges me. Their guidance and commitment to natural resource management has made this an invaluable opportunity.” —Anna Baize, University of Montana

“Looking back at my career, I believe that being a Cooperative Research Units Ph.D. student was the impetus for a career that spanned the administration of three state fish and wildlife agencies, serving as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and President of the Wildlife Management Institute. Involvement with the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit provided the opportunity for interaction with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and State fish and wildlife biologists. The graduate research experience addressed real-world wildlife issues in a practical and applied manner. Throughout my 40-year professional career, I have had the pleasure and honor of interacting with Cooperative Research Unit and other Federal and State fish and wildlife biologists across the country. As Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I am proud that I could reconnect the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife program. The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife experience was certainly instrumental and a high point of a very satisfying career.” —Steve Williams, Former Director of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Past President of the Wildlife Management Institute.

Leveraging Federal Investment with Partner Contributions 1:3

The Cooperative Research Units program advances wildlife and fisheries management by partnering with Federal, State, and university cooperators to co-develop, support, and enhance strategies that benefit both natural resources and communities nationwide. Federal appropriations for the Cooperative Research Units program primarily fund Federal staff, with limited support for operational expenses. Our unique cooperative model and the high productivity of our staff generates a threefold return on our appropriated funds.

Over the last 10 fiscal years (2015– 2024), Federal appropriated funds to the program have ranged from $17.3 to $28.2 million. During those 10 years, the Cooperative Research Units program leveraged an average of $42.3 million annually in research funding from cooperators and stakeholders, benefitting host universities (fig. 2). Additionally, each year universities provided an average of $22.1 million in-kind support through facilities, student tuition, and reduced overhead to the program. On average, these leveraged funds supported 31 non-federal positions annually at each host university, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and research technicians, ultimately creating more than 1,000 jobs annually (fig. 3).

Delivering Products to our Partners

Scientists, research staff, and students in the Cooperative Research Units program are highly productive. Each year the program staff collectively provided, on average, the following products: 443 scientific papers published, 108 technical assistance actions enacted, 80 university courses taught, 58 invited public speaking engagements delivered, and 24 workshops or short courses provided to cooperators and stakeholders (fig. 4).

Science for Partner Decision Making

Unit scientists and staff have extensive expertise to relay scientific findings to a broad cross section of decision makers and the public. Through decades of applying the program’s mandated mission of delivering graduate education, applied science, and technical assistance to Unit partners and other stakeholders, the program has been responsible for significant advances in management and conservation of fish and wildlife resources.

Unit scientists provide critical insight and guidance to managers facing complex conservation challenges, ensuring that science directly informs decision making at State, regional, and national levels. With approximately 700 research projects underway in fiscal year 2025, Unit scientists are addressing pressing ecological issues and delivering applied solutions that enhance resource management.