Biological Resources Discipline

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The Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) is a program of the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Its stated task is to work with other stakeholders to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of the United States' biological resources.

Contents

Establishment

BRD was created when Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt transferred most of the research biologists from the various Bureaus of the Department of the Interior. [1] In 1993, Babbitt established the National Biological Survey (NBS), staffed with more than 1,300 researchers and support personnel reassigned from the Fish and Wildlife Service, with additional scientific personnel from the National Park Service and other Interior agencies. However, Congressional opposition threatened to abolish the new bureau—which now "contained a substantial portion of all the scientists in the Interior Department. Babbitt had put most of his eggs in one basket." In 1995, Babbitt renamed the NBS as the National Biological Service to allay opposition, but Congressional threat to the scientific organization persisted. In 1996, the National Biological Service was transferred to become the Biological Resources Division of the USGS. [2] The BRD was renamed as the Biological Resources Discipline in 1999 as part of USGS Director Charles Groat's Strategic Change planning. [3]

General principles

The following are "general principles" the BRD states guide the implementation of its mission and form the basis of its strategic planning:

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References

  1. Committee on Opportunities and Challenges for International Science at the U.S. Geological Survey; Board on Earth Sciences and Resources; Division on Earth and Life Studies; National Research Council (2012). International Science in the National Interest at the U.S. Geological Survey. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. p. 147. doi:10.17226/13302.
  2. "I&M Administrative History: Babbitt Flips the Table (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov. Retrieved 2023-11-26.
  3. O'Shea, Thomas J. (2006). "History of the Fort Collins Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey" (PDF). Open-File Report (2006–1336): 11.