Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
USGS seeks a CESU partner to enhance invasive mussel risk models in WA and CA, optimizing locations for mitigation to protect water infrastructure and energy reliability, in support of recent federal executive orders.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: September 12, 2026: Full application deadline (11:59 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: $250,000 total; one award anticipated; two-year project period
Summary: Supports a CESU partner to integrate and expand invasive mussel risk assessment models for Washington State and California, optimizing mitigation strategies for aquatic invasive species.
Key Information: Only current partners of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) are eligible.
Description
This opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks a partner from the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to provide technical assistance in advancing aquatic invasive species risk assessment and mitigation. The funded project will:
- Integrate a novel road network model into an existing quagga and zebra mussel risk assessment model for Washington State.
- Expand this framework to develop a standardized risk assessment for golden mussels in California.
- Develop an optimization tool to identify ideal locations for mitigation interventions such as watercraft inspection/decontamination stations and "clean-drain-dry" information campaigns.
- Produce a manuscript, a map-based decision-support tool, and static maps to guide resource management.
The project is part of a coordinated federal and state response to protect hydro-electric facilities, water infrastructure, and aquatic ecosystems, aligning with recent Executive Orders on energy and water resource security.
