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

The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service awarded a $199,765 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program. The funding supports a comprehensive network of Cooperative Study Units that facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the National Park System. Specifically, this award will support assessments of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, identifying vulnerabilities from climate change and other stressors to inform long-term conservation planning. The project will benefit state/local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and the general public through improved environmental science research and data to support park management decisions.

Programming 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 facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. The chesapeake and ohio canal national historical park protects approximately 185 linear miles along the potomac river, much of IT comprised of natural, forested habitat. These natural areas provide habitat for 203 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. In consideration of long-term conservation planning, the park needs to fully understand the suite of stressors faced by these rare plant species. This project will complete assessments for these rare plant species, identifying vulnerabilities from climate change and other factors. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public).