Meeting Abstract
Charged with the management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the benefit of the public, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strives for scientific excellence to inform its practices and approaches to conservation. Though the scientific expertise held within the Service is broad, it is not possible to maintain subject matter experts in all genera of science and technology. In the face of legal challenges and to facilitate data-based decisions and policy, the Service participates in strategic partnerships with academic and non-governmental entities. This paper focuses on cutting-edge research derived from diverse, multi-disciplinary research collaboratives formed to address information gaps in conservation and recovery programs for federally listed species and species of concern. Using case studies of recent and on-going research efforts, we trace pathways for initiating coordination with Service scientists, developing research teams, and securing financial and logistical support for priority projects. The paper culminates with examples that illustrate how the Service incorporates collaboratively generated data and tools.
