Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
This grant supports building a reclamation science program to improve land recovery after energy and mineral development in arid regions, through research, tool development, and stakeholder engagement.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: May 30, 2026: Full application submission deadline (electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM ET on this date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $475,000 total over 5 years; expected one award; base year up to $250,000, subsequent years contingent on progress and available funds.
Summary: Supports research and program development in reclamation sciences to improve land management following energy and mineral development in arid landscapes.
Key Information: Eligibility limited to current partners of the Colorado Plateau CESU; cost sharing not required.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Biological Science Center, is a cooperative agreement to support research and program development within the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network. The focus is on advancing reclamation sciences to address challenges associated with energy development, critical minerals extraction, and regulatory streamlining—especially in arid environments of the western United States.
The program aims to:
- Survey and analyze reclamation outcomes using field surveys, remote sensing, AI, and literature synthesis.
- Develop decision-support tools, maps, and analytical products to improve reclamation efficiency and outcomes.
- Communicate new scientific insights to stakeholders, including industry and regulatory partners.
The goal is to create actionable information that supports improved management and reclamation of lands disturbed by oil, gas, and mineral development, aligning with recent Executive and Secretarial Orders on energy and mineral resource development.
