About Us
The Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is part of a network of field stations located throughout the nation that works to conserve fish and aquatic resources. Over 300 biologists from the Arctic Circle to the Florida Keys protect imperiled species; evaluate native fish stocks and their habitats; monitor and control 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 ; and work with our partners to solve problems.
Our field stations provide technical assistance to Tribes; conduct scientific studies into fishery problems; restore habitat through the National Fish Passage Program and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan; and collaborate with partners to conserve migratory fishes that cross multiple jurisdictions.
Our Mission
The mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Our History
Origins of our office date back to 1973 when it was established as the Vancouver Fishery Assistance Office. Our name was changed to the Lower Columbia River Fishery Resource Office as other fishery resource offices were established in the Columbia Basin in the 1980s. In 1984 the Office of the Columbia River Coordinator (OCRC) was established and was combined with the LCRFRO in 1995 to form the Columbia River Fisheries Program Office (CRFPO).
Most recently, in 2016 our name was changed to the Columbia River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (CRFWCO) to follow national USFWS field station naming conventions.
Regardless of our official name, our office has worked tirelessly for almost 50 years for the American people to help determine the status of imperiled natural stocks, such as bull trout, to evaluate management measures for recovery and assist in the recovery of these stocks, and to prevent future listings of aquatic species such as Pacific Lamprey.