Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)
The USGS is funding research with a CESU partner to monitor and study the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, develop new survey methods, and support recovery and management decisions for imperiled bumble bee species.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: August 14, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $399,000 total over up to 5 years; expected 1 award; $80,000 estimated for Year 1
Summary: Supports a CESU partner to conduct long-term research on the demography and monitoring of imperiled bumble bees, with a focus on the rusty patched bumble bee in the Upper Midwest.
Key Information: Applicant must be a participating partner of the Great Lakes Northern Forest CESU.
Description
This opportunity from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center provides funding for a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partner to conduct research on the long-term occupancy and abundance of imperiled bumble bees, especially the federally listed rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) in the Upper Midwest. The project aims to fill major knowledge gaps in bumble bee population trends, develop and implement sustainable monitoring protocols, and leverage collaborations to support recovery strategies for endangered pollinators. The research will inform management decisions, support recovery and potential delisting of imperiled bumble bees, and develop automated monitoring systems to improve cost-effectiveness.
