Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unti, Rocky Mountain CESU | G19AS00090

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU."

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is G19AS00090.

Which agency released this funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity was released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins Science Center.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity will be funded through a cooperative agreement.

What is the primary purpose of the project?

The core purpose is to support research that builds population modeling tools for wildlife living in the sagebrush ecosystem, producing practical, management-ready science to support conservation and land-management decisions.

What ecosystem is the focus of this work?

The work focuses on the sagebrush ecosystem and wildlife that depend on it.

Why is there heightened demand for this kind of research right now?

The announcement points to policy and planning momentum around Greater Sage-grouse, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decisions made in 2016, anticipated evaluations in 2021, ongoing revisions to federal land-management plans, and shifting priorities in state wildlife management plans. Together, these drivers increase demand for clear information about population status, trends, and responses to habitat and land-use conditions.

Is the work only about Greater Sage-grouse?

No. While Greater Sage-grouse conservation is a major driver, the research focus is explicitly multi-species and ecosystem-oriented, and it emphasizes that grouse-focused actions can have broader effects on other species sharing the same landscapes.

Which wildlife species or groups are specifically mentioned as priorities?

The opportunity highlights information needs for mule deer, pronghorn, songbirds, and small mammals, in addition to Greater Sage-grouse.

What kinds of research questions is this opportunity trying to address?

The notice emphasizes moving beyond simple trend reporting toward understanding interactions among species and, most importantly, linking wildlife population dynamics to habitat conditions and to on-the-ground management actions across sagebrush systems.

What problem does the announcement say is still poorly understood?

It notes that cause-and-effect relationships are often still poorly understood, especially how wildlife populations respond to habitat change, land uses, and specific management treatments.

How does habitat data fit into the goal of this project?

A key theme is connecting expanding habitat datasets (including habitat patterns and trends, restoration efforts, and treatment effects) to wildlife population outcomes using concepts, analytical approaches, and synthesized population models that can be directly used for management.

What does “management-ready science” mean in this context?

Based on the announcement, it means research outputs that translate habitat monitoring and restoration records into credible predictions and insights about where wildlife occur, how populations change over time, and how those changes might be influenced by future management decisions.

What is meant by “population modeling tools” for this opportunity?

The opportunity describes building analytical approaches and synthesized population models that link population dynamics to habitat conditions and management actions in sagebrush landscapes.

Does the opportunity emphasize single-species management or ecosystem management?

It emphasizes multi-species conservation and ecosystem-oriented understanding, including how ecosystem functions relate to wildlife outcomes.

Why is vegetation highlighted as a priority?

The announcement identifies vegetation distribution, dynamics, and condition as essential building blocks for modeling and management because vegetation patterns are tightly tied to wildlife distributions and population trajectories in sagebrush ecosystems.

Will the project evaluate the effects of sage-grouse management actions on other species?

Yes. An explicit priority is evaluating how management designations and actions intended to benefit sage-grouse may affect other priority species, as part of broader ecosystem management and wildlife conservation.

Which federal department is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the Department of the Interior through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the CFDA number and program category listed?

The CFDA is 15.808, and the category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

It was created on July 9, 2019, with an original closing date of July 26, 2019.

What is the maximum funding amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed is $201,200.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity indicates one expected award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to partners within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Rocky Mountain CESU, as indicated by the opportunity title and the eligibility clarification.

Is this opportunity open to applicants outside the CESU network?

Based on the provided information, no. The eligibility language limits applicants to Rocky Mountain CESU partners.

What is the broader conservation value described in the announcement?

The announcement frames the work as supporting multiple-species conservation by improving understanding of ecosystem functions and producing decision-relevant science that connects habitat conditions and management actions to wildlife population outcomes in sagebrush systems.