Applied Science:
Fresh water is one of our most important natural resources. Since 1987 The Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute has built an internationally recognized research team of top scientists, engineers, and technology experts to develop and validate solutions for the sustainable use of our nation’s water resources. Learn more about how the Freshwater Institute uses applied science to advance conservation goals.

Conservation Engineering:
Our staff have a built a unique reputation for integrating engineering, biology, and conservation in projects on behalf of our partners’ needs. Standard engineering principles are wedded with biology and conservation in work that includes endangered species restoration, water conservation, habitat restoration, and water reclamation. Core design work focuses on aquatic species restoration through captive breeding and propagation.

Training and Education:
Communication and transfer of knowledge gained is an important component of our work. The Freshwater Institute maintains a busy schedule of staff speaking engagements, facility tours, and consultations with stakeholders. Science staff are consistently recognized for productivity in publication of academic and popular press articles. Science and consulting staff maintain a popular series of annual shortcourses and workshops where intensive interaction with peers and specialists can occur.

The Conservation Fund specializes in partnering with communities, corporations and governments to develop innovative solutions for the nation’s complex conservation challenges. The Fund's pioneering approach to conservation blends environmental and economic needs and objectives. The Freshwater Institute provides a variety of services to clients and partners including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, education and research institutions, communities, businesses, and individuals.

As one of the nation's most efficient environmental nonprofits, The Conservation Fund's fees and overhead rates are often the lowest of any national conservation organization. Working with the Freshwater Institute provides clients and partners access to state-of-the-art technology, objective information, professional staff support and assures that client fees and project funding always support direct action and outcomes.

The Conservation Fund, with its 1% fundraising costs and 96% program allocation, is recognized as the nation's top environmental nonprofit by two prominent charity watchdog organizations, Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy.

Fish Hatchery Water Reuse Evaluation:
Conducted an observational study of fish reared in a partial reuse system versus fish in traditional raceway rearing units for Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) in Washington State. Water and discharge permits in the region are becoming increasingly restricted and PUD managers are looking into the benefits of adopting new technologies such as partial reuse systems. .

Pacific Salmon Restoration Program Planning:
Conducted bio-programming analysis for multiple pacific anadromous restoration programs for the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD). Identified gaps in water flow and existing infrastructure at the PUD's existing hatcheries that will result with increased fish production commitments.

Development of Sustainable Land-Based Aquaculture Production Systems:
Performed research to improve the economic and environmental performance of controlled intensive aquaculture systems. The research is part of a cooperative agreement with the USDA Agriculture Research Service.

Lake Trout Hatchery Planning and Re-design :
Conducted a planning and design study to determine appropriate short and long-term options for the USFWS to reduce the potential for future virus infection at Allegheny National Fish Hatchery following the detection of IPNV in 2005.

Barriers to Photovoltaics in West Virginia :
Provided an assessment of the economic, technical, and social barriers facing the implementation of photovoltaics in the state of West Virginia.

Effluent Treatment System Planning and Design:
Designed a 2,400 gpm centralized effluent treatment system utilizing best available technologies that enables Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery to meet a compliance schedule mandated by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Design :
The USDA's National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center is a new research facility established to improve the efficiency and sustainability of coldwater marine finfish farming. We completed production modeling and bioprogramming for the new facility in 2004 and the final design of the aquaculture production systems in 2005. Construction of the center was completed in the spring of 2007.

West Virginia Tributary Strategies for Chesapeake Bay Restoration :
Participated in a multi state/agency planning effort to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Planning focused on methods to reduce the flow of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment to the Bay by setting maximum allowable amounts for each pollutant. Implementation of the strategies should result in the achievement of pollutant reduction goals by 2010.