As a field station within the Trust Species and Habitats branch of the Fort Collins Science Center, field station scientists conduct research on natural resource and wildlife issues, with particular emphasis on Southwestern ecosystems. Scientists have expertise on mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and arthropods, including state and federally listed species and species of special management concern in the region. They also conduct applied studies to address management issues related to ecosystem dynamics, species responses to natural and human-induced change, and the Southwestern habitats that are important to these taxa.
Field station scientists also have museum curatorial responsibility for an important scientific collection of vertebrates from the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain West. Dating from the 1920s, the USGS Biological Surveys Collection includes endangered fishes from the upper Colorado River Basin, as well as birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals from Federal lands, and serves as a repository for specimens taken in support of Federal research in the West. The collection is housed in the UNM Museum of Southwestern Biology where USGS and university scientists share curatorial responsibilities through a cooperative partnership.
The location of the Arid Lands Field Station provides opportunities for academic partnerships with faculty, staff, and graduate students; offers employment opportunities for students; and facilitates access to additional resources such as libraries and the Museum of Southwestern Biology. In addition, staff members interact with many of the state and federal agencies in the region, and have the ability to draw on the expertise and resources of the Fort Collins Science Center.
Browse ALFS online to learn more about our staff, our science and our products.
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/ALFS/About.asp
Page Contact Information: AskFORT@usgs.gov
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