National Wildlife Refuge biologists design and implement inventory,
monitoring, and management studies to conserve,
protect, and enhance
fish,
plant, wildlife and habitat resources. The Natural Resources Division
provides a wide range of scientific and technical support to refuges
from recommending a project-specific sampling design to conducting formal
inter-agency biological program reviews. We review scientific proposals, field reports, and papers to be submitted
for publication; identify, sponsor or
conduct continuing education opportunities for biologists via training
sessions, seminars or workshops; encourage research on refuges by maintain
liaisons with academic and research institutions and universities; and
represent refuges on regional and national policies.
We provide specialized technical assistance and conduct field studies
of the flora and vegetation and their environments on refuge lands across
the state, working in conjunction with international experts to improve
the understanding and management of Arctic to Temperate ecosystems.
This information aids in developing wildlife, ecosystem, and fire management
plans and facilitates global studies of ecological processes and change
in northern landscapes.
We also provide biometric support for the Alaska refuges via a statistical
review of studies and protocols; assistance with survey sampling design;
and recommendations of appropriate methods to collect, analyze, synthesize,
display and interpret scientific data. The correct application of statistical
methods allows refuges to better assess populations, habitat requirements,
movements and migration, and behavior of trust resources.
Related Links
Natural Resources Science Products
Science
Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)
USGS Alaska Science Center
– Biological Science Office
Circumboreal Vegetation Map (CBVM)
International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS)