The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program was established to facilitate cooperation among the U.S. Department of the Interior (formerly through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. National Biological Service–now through the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division), universities, state fish and wildlife agencies, and private organizations, by conducting programs of research and education related to fish and wildlife resource management. The Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit emphasizes research on impacts of human activities on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that are of state, regional, and national significance. The research program addresses not only the biological, but also social and economic aspects of both game and nongame fisheries and wildlife management in the context of maintenance of biological diversity, and integrity and sustainability of ecosystems. The Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit was established in 1987 and staffed beginning in 1988. Three research scientists currently staff the Minnesota Unit: Dr. David E. Andersen as Unit Leader, Dr. David C. Fulton as Assistant Leader-Wildlife, and Dr. Lynn Waterhouse as Assistant Leader-Fisheries. As always, we welcome your comments and questions concerning the focus of our research and specific research projects.