On February 28, 2006, the New Mexico Ecological Services Office of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Regional Office staff, participated in an annual meeting that presented the work accomplished by the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (Unit).  The Unit has at least 27 projects that are completed or ongoing that address fish and wildlife issues of special interest in New Mexico.  The meeting also afforded the opportunity to network with other agencies such as the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, New Mexico State University, Wildlife Management Institute, US Geological Survey.

The Unit mission is to facilitate cooperation among federal and state wildlife, fish, and water resource agencies, universities, tribal interests, private organizations, and individuals to conduct fishery and wildlife research and education on issues of mutual concern.  Particular attention will be placed on issues that reflect the unique environmental and floral assemblages of New Mexico and the Southwest.  Another benefit of the Unit Program is the development of future professional biologists that is essential to continued fish and wildlife conservation.