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Welcome to Region 6
The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
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Science
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Science
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
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National Wildlife Refuges
Where Wildlife Comes First
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
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Ecological Services
The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
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Migratory Birds
Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
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Fish and Aquatic Conservation
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
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Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
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External Affairs
External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and faciliate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.
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About Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force | Species of Concern | State AIS Programs | 100th Meridian Initiative | Partners in Conservation | Photos & Video | Contact Information & Useful Links | Open / Close All
In the Fisheries program, we are working to ensure that our staff doesn't move any aquatic invasive species (AIS) to new waters when fulfilling the mission of the Service. By inspecting our fish hatcheries and their microscopic young, we eliminate the chance of spreading AIS when stocking fish in our waters. This is a crucial step in prevention as these non-native species spread quickly by “hitchhiking” to new areas through mud on boots, vegetation caught on vehicles, or water left in boats. The invasion of AIS can cost our communities millions of dollars in restoration as they can occupy habitat our native species use, consume food our native species require; and even consume the native species themselves. To read more about our Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Plan which helps prevent the spread of AIS, click here!
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force »
The ANS Task Force is an inter-governmental organization that also focuses on prevention and control of aquatic nuisance species. AIS coordinators from the eight states of our region work closely with partners and the private sector to identify and reduce the risk of harmful aquatic species that are being introduced into U.S. waters. It is through this Task Force that state plans and programs are able to carry out mitigation action against these nuisance species such as the 100th Meridian Initiative. More information about this organization can be found at www.ANSTaskForce.gov
Region 6 - Species of Concern »
Quagga Mussel
Zebra Mussel
New Zealand Mud Snail
Bighead Carp
Silver Carp
Rusty Crayfish
American Bullfrog
This initiative is a cooperative effort between local, state, and federal agencies to prevent and control the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as the zebra/quagga mussel. The Fish and Wildlife Service provides extensive funding for the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign in order to raise awareness and protect our aquatic resources. Some preventative measures taken under this effort include boat inspections, surveys, and eradication of detected ANS species. Click on the campaign logo to read more about the 100th Meridian Initiative!
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
Mississippi River Basin Panel
Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program
Western AIS Efforts
Western Regional Panel
Photos
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Application of copper sulfate crystals throughout a Nebraska lake to eradicate and prevent the spread of quagga mussels. Credit: USFWS.
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Infestation of zebra mussels at El Dorado Reservoir, Kansas in 2004. Credit: USFWS.
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Zebra mussels attach to any hard surface. Credit: USFWS.
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Complete invasion of zebra mussels at the El Dorado Reservoir. Credit: USFWS.
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Average size of a zebra mussel. Credit: USFWS.
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Quagga mussels on settling pond piping near Lake Mead. Credit: USFWS.
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Quagga mussels will adhere to most hard surfaces, impacting boats and infrastructures. Credit: USFWS.
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Young zebra mussels found in Kansas. Credit: USFWS.
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The invasive Asian carps are moving up the Missouri River system. Credit: USFWS.
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Cleverly hidden mussel discovered on a boat at an inspection station in Colorado in April, 2012. Credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
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Fish stocking. Credit: USFWS.
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Measuring catfish. Credit: USFWS.
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Conducting field work in a fashion that minimizes the spread of invasives is essential in maintaining healthy wildlife habitats. Credit: USFWS.
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Fish stocking is an activity that requires the AIS Program’s expertise in order to prevent nuisance species from spreading. Credit: USFWS.
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Utah Division of Wildlife and FWS employees performing AIS inspections on equipment at Ouray National Fish Hatchery. Credit: USFWS.
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AIS/Native Mussel Survey on the Wind River Reservation. Credit: USFWS.
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FWS Employees performing an electro-fishing sauger study on the Wind River Reservation also monitor non-native fishes. Credit: USFWS.
Video Links
Don’t Move a Mussel! By Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Importance of Inspections by Colorado State Parks
Lose the Hitchhikers or Lose Your Lake by ND Game & Fish
Joanne Grady
FWS Region 6 AIS Coordinator
303-236-4519
Joanne_Grady@FWS.gov
National Invasive Species Webpage
Department of the Interior
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