Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitatecooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management ofthe…

This $216,102.31 Cooperative Agreement award, funded by the Department of the Interior National Park Service under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program, supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the National Park System. The study units will generate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the National Park System, with a focus on building resilient ecosystems in parks and rehabilitating plant communities after disturbance from overabundant white-tailed deer. Key activities include implementing active management of deer and forest vegetation restoration, using existing or creating new forest gaps, and providing tools to improve forest resilience. The awardee, The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York, will deliver these products and services over the 5-year period of performance from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028.

Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitatecooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management ofthe national park system. The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated informationproducts across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. Build toward resilient ecosystems in parks and rehabilitate plant communities after long-term disturbance from overabundant white-tailed deer by actively shaping change using forest management under RAD (resist, accept, direct) climate change framework. This project will implement active management of deer and forest vegetation restoration, using existing or creating new forest gaps, and providing tools to improve forest resilience. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of highereducation, and the general public.