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

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) provides $115,208 to Colorado State University's Sponsored Programs division to facilitate multi-disciplinary research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the National Park System.

The award supports a comprehensive network of Cooperative Study Units that will generate integrated information products and conduct research on rare invertebrate species, such as four beetle species, within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The research aims to assess impacts from visitor disturbance, park operations, and changes in groundwater regimes, which will inform potential Endangered Species Act listings, protection area establishment, visitor management decisions, and groundwater use advocacy. The project will engage state/local governments, tribes, non-profits, and academic institutions as beneficiaries.

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. Great sand dunes national park and preserve contain habitat for rare and endemic invertebrate species including the following four beetle species great sand dunes tiger beetle (cicindela theatina), circus beetle (eleodes hirtipennis), werner s ANT-like flower beetle (amblyderus werneri), and triplehorn s ANT-like flower beetle (amblyderus triplehorni). The park is concerned about impacts to the beetle species due to disturbance from visitors especially in high use areas, park operations, and changes in groundwater regimes from nearby water use and climate change. The park will use this information to inform potential endangered species act listings, establish protection areas, assess opening a new area to visitation, and advocating for limited groundwater use. . Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of highereducation, and the general public.