What happens when alien grasses invade a tortoise's desert home? How will a computer system help users make better-informed decisions for habitat conservation planning? What are scientists learning about the white abalone, once a prized delicacy in the market? Find out at http://www.werc.usgs.gov during Earth Science Week, Oct. 8-14.

The USGS Western Ecological Research Center welcomes visitors to check these new websites anytime and often for information on invasive species studies, science support for habitat conservation planning and studies in coastal ecosystems.

Invasive Species Studies. The invasion of nonnative species threatens biodiversity and the continued survival of functioning native ecosystems. Once established, some invasive species have the ability to displace or replace native plant and animal species, disrupt nutrient and fire cycles and cause changes in the pattern of plant succession. Studies by scientists at the Western Ecological Research Center address critical needs in California's Central Valley, the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, coastal maritime communities including terrestrial and nearshore ecosystems, selected national parks and other sensitive areas. Research on treatments for invasive species provides resource managers with management options for conserving natural environments and plant and animal diversity.

Science Support for Habitat Conservation Planning. Scientists at the Western Ecological Research Center are making important contributions to the scientific foundations upon which habitat conservation plans (HCPs) are developed and analyzed. They collect field data on the biology and habitat of the species in question and the ecological processes that provide suitable conditions necessary to maintain self-sustaining populations for individual species such as the desert tortoise, and for groups of species such as waterfowl and marine mammals. Primary areas of support are ecological field data, reserve design, impact analysis, ecological monitoring and planning and decision support.

Studies in Coastal Ecosystems. Research by Western Ecological Research Center scientists on nearshore communities and coastal environments is providing important insight into how coastal ecosystems work. Studies provide resource managers with information for decision making on topics such as keystone species, species and habitats at risk, invasive species, contaminants, habitat rehabilitation, and scientific development and review of monitoring protocols.

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2,000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to the sound conservation, economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy and mineral resources.