March 5, 2026
Managed relocation (MR) is a term used to describe the intentional translocation of a species outside its natural range for conservation purposes, often in response to long-term landscape changes that reduce suitability of historical habitats.
In response to growing attention to MR from conservation scientists and policy makers, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) held a workshop to advance research addressing the intersecting stressors of climate change, invasive species, and fish and wildlife health relative to MR. The workshop took place in August 2024 at the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul. Participants included scientists and managers from many USGS units, as well as professionals from two Tribal organizations, six other federal agencies, five states, three universities and two non–governmental organizations. Together, participants worked to:
- synthesize current scientific understanding of MR risks and benefits
- identify near–term research priorities to understand and reduce risk related to MR
- foster interdisciplinary, interagency research collaborations
- yield near–term information, research, and tools
Read the workshop summary report.