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Welcome

Message From the USGS Associate Director for Biology

Welcome to the Biological Resources Discipline (BRD).

The BRD mission is to work with others to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation's biological resources. A fundamental part of our mission is embodied in our deep commitment to make data and information on the Nation's biological resources more accessible to more people.

 We're delighted that you've decided to take a closer look at all we offer.

 

Sincerely,
USGS Associate Director for Biology, Biological Resources Discipline (BRD)

 

BRD History

Chronology

1885 - Ornithological Office established in the Entomology Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1886 - Mission extended to mammals. Division of Ornithology and Mammalogy created.
1896 - Name changed to the Division of Biological Survey.
1905 - Division elevated to the Bureau of Biological Survey (BBS).
1939 - BBS becomes part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Department of the Interior.
1993 - Formation of the National Biological Service (NBS). 
1996 - NBS becomes part of USGS as the BRD

In October 1996, the Biological Resources Discipline or BRD was established within the U.S. Geological Survey. BRD brought an important living resources dimension to the USGS earth sciences orientation, thus making it possible for the bureau to bring physical plus biological science to natural resource management problems.

BRD works cooperatively with Federal and State agencies to share information necessary to develop a comprehensive picture of the Nation's biological resources. In fact, we are eager to recognize the valuable contributions of States, other Federal agencies, and outside organizations. Ours is a strong commitment to the use of partnerships to achieve objectives.

The majority of BRD programs and resources remain directed towards the needs and responsibilities of Interior resource management bureaus, such as studies supporting development of annual waterfowl regulations, research leading to better land protection strategies for national parks, and investigations seeking optimal water control practices for enhancement of fisheries.

But an equally important BRD objective has been the establishment and ongoing development of a National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), a network of distributed databases and information sources on biological resources. Today, NBII information is being used by Federal and State agencies, researchers, universities and museums, planning and environmental consultants, private companies, landowners, and the public.


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