Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU | G19AS00105

Opportunity Information: Apply for G19AS00105

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G19AS00105) is a US Geological Survey effort, led by the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK), focused on understanding how parasites and climate conditions interact to affect moose health in western Wyoming, particularly around the Jackson region. The work is framed as an important piece of broader human, wildlife, and ecosystem health because changing climate patterns can shift parasite dynamics, which in turn can influence wildlife survival, reproduction, and population stability. A central motivation for the project is that this part of Wyoming sits near the southern edge of the moose geographic range, where moose already occur at relatively low densities and may be more vulnerable to additional stressors.

The opportunity is driven by concerns about long-term population declines and reduced hunting opportunity over roughly the past two decades, trends believed to be linked to declining moose numbers even though population estimates are described as coarse and not always comparable across areas. The background provided notes a severe decline in the early 1990s, estimated at about 80 percent, and indicates that the current herd estimate is fewer than 500 animals. The notice points to several plausible contributors to these declines, including rising temperatures and multiple parasites, specifically winter ticks, liver flukes, and arterial worms. Within that set of possible mechanisms, the proposed research emphasis is on winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) and how climate conditions may influence tick burdens and subsequent impacts on moose.

From a biological and management standpoint, winter ticks are highlighted because heavy infestations can be especially damaging to moose, with strong potential to reduce reproductive success and calf survival. The project is therefore oriented toward clarifying the winter tick-moose relationship in this region and building the foundation for future on-the-ground research. Rather than funding a full multi-year field study immediately, the grant is structured to support collaborative planning and early-stage analysis that can guide a larger follow-on effort.

The award mechanism is a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, with an activity category of science and technology and other research and development (CFDA 15.808). The opportunity anticipated a single award with an award ceiling of $71,535. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text associated with the opportunity, reflecting the CESU model in which participating partner institutions commonly compete or are selected consistent with CESU guidelines.

Deliverables are clearly oriented toward creating a springboard for subsequent fieldwork. The CESU partner is expected to work in collaboration with federal and state partners to develop a future research plan and evaluate candidate projects. The final products described include (1) a project proposal designed to support future field work on winter ticks in western Wyoming, (2) preliminary data collected in spring 2020 based on direct observations of hair loss in moose across the region, which can serve as an accessible indicator potentially consistent with winter tick impacts, and (3) initial development of mechanistic models that link winter tick dynamics, moose condition, and climate variables. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as an applied wildlife health and climate interaction project that prioritizes actionable planning, early evidence gathering, and model development to inform more comprehensive research and management decisions in a region where moose appear to be under increasing environmental and disease-related pressure.

Key administrative details include a posting/creation date of July 9, 2019, and an original closing date of July 26, 2019, indicating a short application window typical of targeted, partner-focused cooperative agreement announcements.

• 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, Colorado Plateau 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 Jul 09, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 26, 2019. (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 $71,535.00 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).

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