Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
The U.S. Geological Survey seeks a Rocky Mountain ecosystem studies partner to study bird and ungulate habitat use, population dynamics, and ecological risks in western rangelands and alpine ecosystems.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: December 2, 2026 (Applications, 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $1–$490,000 per award for three years; $490,000 total funding, one anticipated award
Summary: Supports collaborative research and scientific tools assessing wildlife habitat, population dynamics, and ecological risks across western rangeland and alpine ecosystems.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers this cooperative agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program to support management-relevant wildlife research. The work focuses on animal–habitat relationships, resource selection, and population demography of birds and ungulates across grassland, shrubland, and alpine ecosystems. Potential research includes sage-grouse and songbird responses to vegetation treatments and other land-use disturbances, ungulate population modeling, and chronic wasting disease (CWD) risk assessment.
The program seeks habitat-selection models, population-demographic models, and tools for evaluating management alternatives and identifying conservation priorities. Work must also maintain long-term Colorado alpine research on white-tailed ptarmigan, including seasonal resource needs, population dynamics, plasticity, and potential genetic adaptation. Analyses will be developed closely with USGS scientists and partners to identify vulnerable populations and inform conservation and adaptation strategies.
