The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Portland State University established a joint program of research, education, and outreach in June of 2007. Although there had been a great deal of interaction between these two organizations on an informal basis in the past, this formal program expanded the collaborative research and investigations of water supply, water quality, hydrologic hazards, and biological resources which are of critical importance.
The USGS and PSU entered into a “Cooperative Agreement” to conduct joint research that focuses on the scientific basis for management of water resources in the State of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. In addition to site and basin studies, this collaboration includes scientific investigations to improve the “state of the science” by furthering the understanding of the hydrologic, geologic, and biological processes.
This UPP is guided by a work group composed of USGS and PSU researchers and staff that provide oversight, guidance, and planning. In early 2019, the group added staff members from PSU’s Institute for Sustainable Solutions to provide professional project and partnership management support. This was part of an effort to reboot the partnership, create clearer pathways for researchers and students to participate, foster better connections between PSU and USGS researchers, and maximize the value to all partners.
Check out the UPP Factsheet to read about the UPP's vision for their five-year agreement, key goals, and partnership activities.