American Alligators as Ecological Indicators of Everglades Restoration
This grant funds research using American alligators to monitor and assess the progress of Everglades ecosystem restoration over a five-year period.
Funder: Fort Worth District
Due Dates: October 5, 2026: Statement of Interest (SOI) deadline
Funding Amounts: Award range: $391,856–$1,546,800 total; 12-month base period with up to four 12-month follow-on periods
Summary: Supports monitoring and assessment of American alligators as ecological indicators to evaluate Everglades restoration outcomes under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
Key Information: Open only to CESU members in specified regions; full proposals not requested at this stage.
Description
This funding opportunity seeks Statements of Interest (SOIs) from qualified investigators to monitor and assess American alligator populations as ecological indicators of restoration progress in the Florida Everglades. The project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and aims to continue and expand long-term studies on alligator responses to hydrologic changes resulting from restoration activities. Research results will inform systemwide ecological assessments and contribute to adaptive management of the Everglades ecosystem.
The cooperative agreement is structured for a 12-month base period, with potential for up to four additional 12-month follow-on periods, depending on funding availability and project performance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will be substantially involved throughout the project, including site selection, work plan development, field data collection, and data interpretation.
