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

The U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service awarded a $100,000 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Wyoming's Sponsored Programs to support the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program. This 5-year project will facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across the National Park System. Specifically, the agreement will operationalize the "Defend the Core, Grow the Core" philosophy outlined in the Sagebrush Conservation Design and Sagebrush Keystone Initiative, by applying actionable science to assist National Park land managers in prioritizing spatial opportunities and management practices to prevent and control invasive annual grasses. The project also aims to expand the community of practice to empower land managers in successfully managing invasive species. Beneficiaries include state/local governments, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and the general public.

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. In cooperation with university of wyomings institute for managing annual grasses invading natural ecosystems (imagine) and the national park service (NPS), this project will seek to operationalize the defend the core, grow the core philosophy outlined in the sagebrush conservation design and sagebrush keystone initiative. Part of this task agreement will enhance conservation efforts by applying actionable science to assist land managers in parks in prioritizing spatial opportunities and which practices techniques would be most beneficial to prevent and manage invasive annual grasses. Imagine also intends to expand their community of practice to help land managers and practitioners feel empowered to be successful in managing invasive annual grasses. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognize indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.