Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Advancing conservation through collaborative fish and wildlife research.  

The Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit works closely with state and federal cooperators to conduct research supporting management of fish and wildlife populations in Idaho and throughout North America.

Unit scientists also train graduate students at University of Idaho for careers in state, tribal and federal agencies, as well as in academia. The unit fosters a unique partnership among the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, University of Idaho, U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Management Institute and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, these partners work together to design and conduct research aimed at addressing complex environmental issues.

Scientists in the cooperative research unit pursue three main goals:

• Conduct research that supports management of fish and wildlife populations
• Train graduate students for careers in the fish and wildlife professions
• Provide technical assistance and training opportunities for state, tribal and federal managers and researchers

Unit research, expertise and interests

Unit personnel collaborate closely with university faculty, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our research, conducted across Idaho, the Pacific Northwest and North America, addresses both national and international issues. Research is funded through contracts with agencies including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Forest Service, Bonneville Power Administration, American Indian tribes and other federal, state and private organizations. In addition to research, unit scientists teach graduate courses, advise students and engage in various professional activities. 

Unit history

The Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Program began in 1935 with the establishment of five wildlife units at land grant universities. The Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Program at University of Idaho began in 1961. In 1984, wildlife and fishery units were merged to become the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Initially part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the program moved to the National Biological Service in 1994 and then to the U.S. Geological Survey in 1996. The Idaho unit is one of 41 Cooperative Research Units nationwide, all based at state universities and supported by state fish and wildlife agencies.

The Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit was founded at University of Idaho on Sept. 20, 1947, and the Idaho Cooperative Fishery Research Unit was established in 1963. The two units merged in 1985 to form the Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. It is housed in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences within the College of Natural Resources and is supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, University of Idaho, Wildlife Management Institute and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.