To support coordinated cooperative research, technical assistance, education and training, and usable knowledge development to inform science-based management of the national park system

Montana State University has been awarded $139,137 under a Cooperative Agreement from the National Park Service to support the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945). The award, effective July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, will deliver a mobile application enabling anglers to accurately identify pure and hybrid trout species from photographs, with a focus on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout conservation. The deliverable will integrate an artificial intelligence (AI) image classification model trained on existing trout photographs, validated through genetic sampling field work, and tested for accuracy within the angling community to ensure practical usability.

The project supports the federal program's mission to facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products for National Park System resource management. Beyond the mobile application itself, the award will generate usable knowledge and technical capacity for improved trout species identification that promotes science-based conservation practices. The initiative will benefit multiple stakeholder groups including state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and the general public. Research and development activities will be conducted at Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, aligning with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units model that connects academic institutions with federal and local partners to address park-specific resource management challenges.

To facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products related to the resources of the national park system. To maintain a comprehensive network cooperative study units as will provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to the resources contained in units of the national park system and their larger regions. This project aims to develop a mobile application that enables anglers to accurately identify pure and hybrid trout species from a single photograph. Key activities include training an artificial intelligence image classification model using existing photographs of yellowstone cutthroat trout, testing the model with new images collected during genetic sampling, and assessing the accuracy of trout identification by the angling community. The expected outcome is a reliable tool that enhances species identification, promoting better conservation practices and informed angling.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and individuals (including members of the general public).