Founded in 1991, the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office has worked on dozens of projects throughout the midwest including measuring our invasive carp catches in tons, surveying fish passage locations in the thousands and transporting more pallid sturgeon broodstock to hatcheries than any other fish and wildlife conservation office in the region. Much has occurred during the last quarter century at the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, but our dedication to the people and natural resources of the United States remains the same.

What We Do

Our Species

The Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office has a diverse team prepared to assist with sportfish, native fish, imperiled species and invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species assessment and management throughout the greater Mississippi River Basin. Whether it is diving for unionid mussels in Missouri Ozark streams, trawling for native fish in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, improving habitat and stream connectivity for imperiled species or developing novel sampling gears and modeling tools to meet new invasive species challenges, we are here to serve.

Visit Us

We request that you call ahead of your visit to set up an appointment with our staff. This will ensure we are prepared to visit with you and your group. During your visit we will gladly talk with your school or civic group about our mission and the many projects we work on towards achieving it. We look forward to visiting with you soon!

Latest News

Closeup of lake sturgeon swimming in the Niagara River.
Habitat Restoration
A milestone for lake sturgeon on the Osage River
Fisheries biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partner organizations had been crossing their fingers for decades, hoping our careful, cumulative efforts would be enough for lake sturgeon to overcome the odds. And once again lake sturgeon showed their amazing resilience.
A biologist holds a young lake sturgeon
Habitat Restoration
Restoring reverence along with the lake sturgeon
For one of North America’s most wide-ranging species, it takes an equally broad approach to restoration to create a comeback. Across 24 states and along with five provinces in Canada, we join a network of partners in bringing a flagship fishery back to health in our Great Lakes and mighty rivers.
A woman wearing a beanie and jacket holds up a clear container with water and a small aquatic organism
Our People
Scientific Curiosity on a Path Less Traveled
Dr. Nicole Hams talks about her scientific curiosity and an untraditional path that led to a career of science and giving back through outreach.
an electrified trawl net boat at sunset
Our People
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices Provide Exciting Work Experiences
Career experiences with USFWS.
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Get Involved

Our volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities: parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures. Please call or email us to learn about future volunteer opportunities.

Location and Contact Information