Science

Invasive carp examined during a data collection effort

The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, he’s one who asks the right questions.

~ Claude Lévi-Strauss


Excellence in science and its application to natural resource decision-making is the hallmark of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Refuge's goal is to strengthen the agency’s tradition of scientific excellence in the conservation of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat. The Refuge accomplishes this by:

  • Expanding our capacities to acquire, apply, and communicate scientific information
  • Promoting active involvement of the Refuge and our staff in the larger scientific community 
  • Encouraging strengthened partnerships between the Refuge and other scientific organizations
  • Growing the next generation of Service scientists through internships and environmental education activities.

A number of studies have been conducted on the refuge in recent years that are expanding our knowledge of wildlife which are not as obvious to visitors, but are important indicators of the health of ecosystems on the Refuge.  

We have also included information about how we are using science in our 2013 Comprehensive Conservation Plan.