Columbia Environmental Research Center
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior
4200 New Haven Road
Columbia, Missouri USA 65201-8709
phone: 573.875.5399
FAX: 573.876.1896
Michael J. Mac, PhD Center Director
phone: 573-876-1900
email: mmac@usgs.gov
Directions to CERC
CERC Mission: CERC conducts research needed to address national and international environmental contaminant issues and effects of habitat alterations on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Research is both focused and large-scale multidisciplinary with emphasis on research studies integrating scientific disciplines to address complex environmental issues on large geographical scales. Scientists at CERC form partnerships with national, state and local agencies, non-governmental organizations and universities to enhance scientific information needed for the management of our Nation’s resources. In addition to the main facility in Columbia, MO, CERC administers field research stations in Wyoming, South Dakota and Texas (2).
CERC History: CERC was established in 1959 at the Denver Wildlife Research Center of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and was called the Fish Pesticide Research Laboratory (FPRL). In 1966, the University of Missouri deeded 33 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the FPRL moved to its present location. The Center was incorporated into the USGS in 1996.
Over its 43-year history in Columbia, MO, CERC has addressed contaminant research in support of sound natural resource management of the nation's aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. As the Center grows and matures, the scope of its research programs broadened to an integrated approach for even more complex resource problems. These complexities encompass several factors associated with the biological significance of degraded water quality that often includes physical landscape alterations, invasive species, and ecosystem restoration activities. Today CERC conducts environmental research in support of the Department of the Interior agencies, but also works with other federal government agencies, state, tribal, private, and non-governmental organizations, both national and international, to meet common needs and goals.
Information About Visiting Columbia
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau
City of Columbia
Information about the U.S. Geological Survey:
Ask USGS or call 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) or email: ask@usgs.gov
Mission: The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.
Vision: USGS has become a world leader in the natural sciences thanks to our scientific excellence and responsiveness to society's needs.
As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. The diversity of our scientific expertise enables us to carry out large-scale, multi-disciplinary investigations and provide impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers.