Belt-tightening at a federal laboratory in Fort Collins has some scientists concerned that that a new fee-for-service focus may compromise the objectivity of their research.
Mark Shasby, director of the 100-employee U.S. Geological Survey’s Fort Collins Science Center, said the agency will continue to deliver excellent science, but plans to curtail some low-priority projects and tweak budgeting methods.
A mandatory 10 percent salary increase in January has left the center struggling to balance its budget, Shasby said. “Our budgets are flat but our costs are going up,” he said.
The agency will focus on its core strengths, including invasive species and climate change, Shasby said. Projects that will not be continued include studies of created wetlands and some mining reclamation research.
Scientists have also been asked, where possible, to request partial salary reimbursement from agencies they’re working with, Shasby said.
Most of the center’s work is done in collaboration with other federal agencies, some of which are beginning to notice a difference, officials said.
“I know they’re just exploring new business practices, but we’re getting less for our money,” said Terry Sexson, national research coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who works from the agency’s Denver office.
Concerned scientists would not speak on the record for fear of reprisals, but have reported their concerns to the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, which plans to release a report today.
Scientists fret they will be limited to narrowly focused science with desired outcomes, such as research for approving new gas lines or oil exploration projects, said PEER program director Rebecca Roose.
That won’t happen, said Shasby, who expects his center will continue to do 90 percent of its science in collaboration with other Department of Interior agencies, such as Fish and Wildlife and the National Park Service.
Staff writer Katy Human can be reached at 303-820-1910 or at khuman@denverpost.com.
