The Western Ecological Research Center is the primary source to which DOI management agencies and their partners turn for research in the biological and physical sciences needed to support sound decisions by land managers throughout the Pacific Southwest. Center scientists are nationally-recognized experts on the ecosystems and associated species of the region and are the first choice of DOI clients to meet their information needs. The Center provides information in formats useful to managers, including peer-reviewed publications, technical bulletins, technical assistance, technologies such as Geographic Information Systems and distributed databases, and other forms.

The most valuable resource of the Center is its dedicated staff. Their integrity and professionalism are the foundation for the Center's success. They work in an environment that encourages teamwork, growth, and problem solving. Center staff are accessible and responsive to all persons, groups, or organizations that request ecological information. Center scientists provide objective information on natural resources issues.

The Center was created and operates under the principle of decentralized streamlined government. The Center maintains a small headquarters on the campus of California State University at Sacramento. The structure of the Center is designed for fluid, high quality scientific response to priority resource issues throughout the Pacific Southwest. The Center's field stations, located in all major Pacific Southwest bioregions, form the core of its science program. Center stations were founded on the principle of client service, and the Center's research, inventory and monitoring, and information transfer agenda is shaped by client needs. Center scientists actively seek client input and participation at all phases of research projects.