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 Department of the Interior, National Park Service has awarded a $128,948.68 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Wyoming under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program. The agreement will fund 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. Key activities include compiling and analyzing existing monitoring data before and after invasive annual grass control treatments, improving and expanding adaptive management modeling frameworks for invasive annual grasses, and participating in a facilitated scientific discussion on climate change impacts. The project aims to provide park visitors with insights into changes in native grasslands and wildlife habitat due to invasive annual grasses, while educating stakeholders on the value of preserving and enhancing rangelands, cultural landscapes, and wildlife. The award has a performance period from September 14, 2023 to September 14, 2027.

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. This project will compile and analyze existing monitoring data before and after invasive annual grass control treatments and improving and expanding existing adaptive management modeling frameworks for invasive annual grasses and to participate in a facilitated scientific discussion led by north central climate. Park visitors will gain insight into the changes in native grasslands and wildlife habitat due to invasive annual grasses and be able to help reverse the trend. Interested stakeholders will gain an understanding of the value of preserving and enhancing rangelands, cultural. Landscapes, and the wildlife that occupy these areas. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public and or private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.