Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | G18AS00043

Opportunity Information: Apply for G18AS00043

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G18AS00043) is a discretionary research grant offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically through the USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT). It was issued as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the USGS expects to have substantial involvement during the project, such as collaboration on study design, coordination, review of deliverables, or joint interpretation of results, rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back.

The purpose of the opportunity is to support applied science and research-and-development work focused on restoring native riparian ecosystems in the western United States, with an emphasis on cottonwood and willow communities. These plant communities are foundational species in many western river corridors and floodplains, providing habitat structure, bank stabilization, shading and temperature moderation, and broader ecosystem support. The project scope centers on evaluating and comparing restoration approaches that can improve recovery of native cottonwoods and willows in degraded riparian systems. The opportunity description highlights two major categories of restoration strategies: (1) revegetation of native species (for example, planting or facilitating recruitment of cottonwoods and willows) and (2) management of streamflow downstream of dams to create conditions that favor native species recovery. The streamflow component reflects a common western U.S. challenge where regulated flows can disrupt the timing and magnitude of floods that normally create bare, moist sediment surfaces needed for seedling establishment and can also alter groundwater conditions that sustain mature riparian vegetation.

Eligibility is limited to partners within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit framework, specifically the Rocky Mountain CESU, and is described broadly as "Others" with clarification expected in the full eligibility text. In practice, this indicates the applicant must be an approved CESU partner organization rather than an open competition to all entities. The funding activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development (CFDA 15.808), reinforcing that the award is intended to generate evidence, assessment results, or decision-relevant findings that land and water managers can use to improve riparian restoration outcomes.

Administratively, the opportunity was created on May 29, 2018, with an original application deadline of June 15, 2018. USGS anticipated making one award, with a maximum funding level (award ceiling) of $49,600. The expected single award structure suggests a targeted, focused project rather than a large multi-site program, likely intended to produce an assessment, synthesis, or pilot-scale evaluation of restoration methods that can inform future on-the-ground projects or broader management guidance in dam-influenced western river systems.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 29, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 15, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $49,600.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G18AS00043

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