15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research,…

This Cooperative Agreement award under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) program, funded by the National Park Service National Office, will support a project to survey amphibians and reptiles in three national historical parks in Massachusetts. The $190,000 award, running from April 2025 to April 2027, will enable the University of Massachusetts Boston to evaluate the abundance, distribution, and habitat use of these species. The data collected will guide management practices for invasive species, river dredging, and construction, while also informing conservation plans for rare and endangered species. The findings will be disseminated through articles and presentations to enhance public awareness and engagement in conservation efforts, ultimately informing strategies for habitat protection and species management.

15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming 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 survey amphibians and reptiles in minuteman national historical park, morristown national historical park, and saugus iron works national historic site to evaluate their abundance, distribution, and habitat use. The data collected will guide management practices for invasive species, river dredging, and construction. Insights into rare and endangered species will support the development of targeted conservation plans. Findings will be shared through articles and presentations to enhance public awareness and engagement in conservation efforts, ultimately informing strategies for habitat protection and species management.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.