The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit program facilitates cooperation among the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division; universities; state fish and wildlife agencies; and private organizations in programs of research and education related to fish and wildlife resource management.  The objectives of the program are: 1) to conduct research on fish and wildlife ecology and to investigate the production, utilization, management, protection, and restoration of populations of fish and wildlife; 2) to provide technical and professional education and continuing education primarily on the graduate and professional level in the fields of fish and wildlife management, teaching, research, demonstration and administration; and 3) to make facts, methods, and new findings discovered through research available to scientists, landowners, sportsmen, outdoor recreationists, conservationists, extension workers, teachers, and local, state and federal agencies.  The Unit shall also continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be informed of, and where requested, assist with the development of that agency's ecosystem management system.  The operations of the Alabama Unit are governed by a Coordinating Committee operating under a formal cooperative agreement signed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division; Auburn University; the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute.

The Alabama Unit has identified four areas in which to concentrate its research efforts: 1) determining the effects of forest management techniques on wildlife species, 2) investigating the ecology and management of stream corridors, 3) investigating the status, life history and habitat requirements of endangered or threatened species to obtain information necessary for the development of comprehensive recovery plans, and 4) investigating the ecology and management of fish and wildlife species on landscape scales.  The Unit will not be restricted to these areas of investigation; however, it will work towards the development of comprehensive research programs in each.

The annual reports on research activities of the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit from 2004 to 2007 can be downloaded below in .pdf format:

2004 Report
2005 Report
2006 Report
2007 Report