The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is a cooperative unit between the U.S. Geological Survey-Biological Resources Division, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State University and the Wildlife Management Institute. The unit was established in 1991 to advance fish and wildlife research, graduate education, in-service training, technical assistance, public relations and research demonstration projects. Unit research contributes to understanding ecological systems within the Great Plains. Unit staff, collaborators and graduate students conduct research with both natural and altered systems, particularly those impacted by agriculture. Unit projects investigate ways to maintain a rich diversity of wild animals and habitats while meeting the needs of people.
The unit focuses on projects that involve graduate students, and the research needs of cooperators are given priority. Unit professionals function as faculty in the Division of Biology at K-State. Unit professionals work with state and federal agencies, private industries, and interest groups to develop projects.