Funding opportunity number: L24AS00142FUNDING opportunity goals: management-driven research: on the ground research that provides information that can directly inform a pertinent and pressing…

Funding opportunity number: L24AS00142FUNDING opportunity goals: management-driven research: on the ground research that provides information that can directly inform a pertinent and pressing management question at units of blms national conservation lands. Community citizen science: on the ground research that engages citizens (volunteers) as assistants in data collection, compilation, or analysis to improve BLM s management, advance evidence-informed decision-making, while benefiting society. Tribal CO-stewardship: studies which explore opportunities for, evaluate, or seek to RE-invigorate CO-stewardship activities with tribal entities, including but not limited to application of indigenous knowledge.rocky mountain bighorn sheep (ovis canadensis canadensis) are gregarious herbivorous ungulates that require open mountainous or canyon terrain. In colorado the species is found on BLM land in various areas on the western slope of the rocky mountains. Bighorn sheep populations experienced significant historic declines across their range due to diseases introduced from domestic livestock, unregulated and market hunting, habitat loss, and competition from domestic livestock. Disease events, along with other stressors including reductions in habitat quality, habitat loss or fragmentation, increased human disturbance, competition with livestock, and predation on small, isolated herds have resulted in recent periodic DIE-offs and or increased risk to local population persistence. Bighorn sheep have been transplanted into historic but vacant ranges in colorado to offset local population declines or DIE-offs. The BLM has designated rocky mountain bighorn sheep as a sensitive species due to population declines and continued risk of disease transmission from domestic livestock throughout the west. In this project, we propose establishing approximately 100 remote triggered camera sites throughout the black canyon of the gunnison national park and the gunnison gorge national conservation area. We will determine areas of herd congregation after consultation with colorado parks and wildlife. The remainder of the cameras will be randomly placed along pre-determined grid locations. Survey frequency and timing will be cognizant of seasonal migrations and reproductive events. The results of the study will benefit the public and improving the natural quality of wilderness character. The health and persistence of bighorn sheep in the gunnison gorge wilderness is directly related to this natural quality. The opportunity to view and potentially hunt bighorn sheep inside the wilderness is an important part of the wilderness character of primitive recreation. Ultimately, the results of this study can be used to inform more i efficient and effective management of the S80 bighorn sheep herd and other herds on BLM lands. In addition, our proposed research project aligns with several of the strategic priorities outlined by the department of the interior (DOI). This research will contribute to president biden s investing in america agenda by addressing critical ecological issues, providing opportunities for graduate students, and informing natural resource management. This project will also aid in the do l s priority to restore and conserve at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030, as our results will inform conservation and management strategies as well as help maintain and restore big horn sheep populations specifically and biodiversity in general. Finally, generating funding for graduate students, as we seek to do with this proposal, will contribute to the do l s priority of centering equity and environmental justice. Students from historically marginalized communities are particularly underrepresented in stem fields like ecology, and are more likely to depend on financial support. Providing funding for graduate students to work on this project will ensure students from all backgrounds will be equally able to apply and succeed.