General Information Product 139

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

The Fort Collins Science Center The Fort Collins Science Center
It takes interdisciplinary, well-integrated science teams 

to fully address the complex natural resource issues 

that managers face today. 
At the Fort Collins Science Center,

 this is what we do.

 

 

 

 We build these teams.
The Interdisciplinary Science Place

Here at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center, we focus on integrated, 

collaborative work. Our scientists apply a systems approach to ecological problems across 

the Nation, engaging scientists from many disciplines. We stand ready to help managers 

understand and address complex ecosystem issues by means of research and monitoring, 

modeling, technology development, technical assistance, and information transfer that is 

robust, innovative, and timely. 

Our science center is located on the Natural 

Resources Research Center campus in Fort Collins, 

Colorado. Of 150 scientific and technical staff, more than 

20 are physically located at universities and other Federal 

agencies. Cooperators from other 

agencies also work at FORT. We build 

partnerships and conduct collaborative 

studies with these and additional 

partners in government, academia, and 

the private sector.

As part of a Federal agency, we conduct short-term research for immediate management 

needs as well as long-term studies that reveal biological trends and responses over time. We also 

draw upon science expertise from across the USGS to address clients’ needs.

As a biological science center, we possess demonstrated capabilities in natural resource 

sciences, including freshwater and terrestrial ecology, ecosystem dynamics, invasive species 

science, social science, wildlife biology, and conservation genetics. Our proficiency in technology 

applications—such as decision support, information management, Web application development, 

and ecological forecasting—is equally robust. Study results are used to solve 

resource management problems and predict the outcomes of different 

scenarios, whether of dam operations, climate change, energy 

development, invasive species spread, or a host of other influences. 

Our science helps managers anticipate and plan for change.
Water for Life

Water for Life

Competing demands for water can result in alteration or loss of critical riverine, riparian, 

and wetland habitats. As stewards of our Nation’s natural resources, land and water management 

agencies are responsible for balancing use and conservation of water resources. Managers need 

quantitative, objective, science-based information that helps them manage, conserve, and plan for 

the Nation’s water resources and the species and habitats they support.

The Aquatic Systems scientists at FORT 

investigate aquatic populations, communities, 

ecosystems, and landscapes, particularly how 

the goods and services these systems provide are 

affected by changes in flow, sediment, invasive 

species, and climate. We develop tools and 

methodologies that managers and scientists can use 

to assess status and understand the interplays of 

physical, biogeochemical, and biological processes; 

the possible outcomes of management actions; and 

likely ecological responses.
The Dynamics of Change

Focusing on the U.S. West, FORT’s 

Ecosystem Dynamics scientists 

specialize in quantifying ecosystem 

patterns and processes from local 

to landscape scales. We provide 

research and technical assistance to 

understand and forecast biological 

responses to natural and human-induced 

changes affecting terrestrial systems. 

The Dynamics of Change

Environmental disturbances, such as climate change, energy and residential development, 

invasive species, and many others, can result in ecosystem-level changes. Therefore, natural 

resource managers need to consider the dynamic web of interactions among ecosystem 

components. The complexity of ecosystem responses over space and time demands an 

interdisciplinary approach that integrates both biotic and abiotic processes. 
FORT’s Information Science

specialists make up a large pool of 

experienced and innovative technical 

staff that produces Web and geospatial 

applications, tools, analyses, and other 

products. Scientists and managers use 

these products to assemble, analyze, and 

share critical information and to inform 

resource management decisions. 

Information Overload Information Overload, Reloaded

Data are everywhere. Aggregating information in a way that it is easily accessed, 

managed, used, and understood, however, is a significant challenge. Natural resource 

agencies need information systems and services to help managers integrate and analyze 

data, visualize outcomes, and apply scientific data and information to natural resource issues. 

 Reloaded
Where Tomorrow?

Here Today, Where Tomorrow? Here Today, Invasive plants, animals, and diseases are a top concern for public and private land managers. 

Invasive nonnative species are present in every ecosystem in the United States, including urban and 

agricultural areas. They drastically alter environments by changing the frequency and severity of fires (as 

do tamarisk and cheatgrass), decimating native species (invasive brown treesnake, deadly white-nose 

syndrome in bats), and posing risks to human health and safety (plague, Burmese python).

FORT researchers conduct Invasive Species 

Science to understand the ecological 

consequences and social costs 

of invasive species and 

assist land managers with 

prevention and control 

methods. We also map 

current and forecast potential 

distributions of invasive species 

at local, regional, and global scales to 

help with early detection and rapid response.
FORT’s Policy Analysis and 

Science Assistance experts 

conduct social science and economic 

research at local and national scales 

to support decisionmaking. We 

inform land management actions by 

scientifically analyzing stakeholder 

knowledge and preferences, social 

and economic effects, and institutional 

policies and processes. 

Making Science

Relevant to People

Making Science Relevant to People

Social and economic research provides public land and resource managers with information 

to make scientifically sound, socially supported decisions. Many conservation planning documents 

and environmental impact statements require data on the socioeconomic effects of management 

actions. These actions affect recreational and commercial users, surrounding communities, and the 

Nation as a whole. 
Their Future Depends, in Part, on Us

Recovery of imperiled species requires a scientific understanding of their life histories, habitat 

requirements, distribution and abundance, and factors limiting their success. Some of the biggest 

challenges to species recovery and conservation involve changes to their environment, including 

land-use change, disease, climate change, energy development, and invasive species. 

Trust Species and Habitats are the focus 

of FORT scientists who investigate why certain 

species are declining and what can be done to 

improve their status. This work directly supports 

development of species management and 

recovery plans. We conduct research and provide 

information to natural resource managers through 

inventory and monitoring, population studies, 

genetic and stable isotope analyses, disease 

ecology investigations, and development of novel 

statistical and field methods.

Their Future Depends,

in Part, on Us 
U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building C, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8118

Engage with Us

www.fort.usgs.gov 

970.226.9100