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

Utah State University received a $125,078.24 cooperative agreement from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945), effective August 1, 2025, through May 31, 2027. The award funds evaluation of flood modeling and mapping methodologies to assist the NPS in developing an updated and comprehensive framework for protecting national park resources against catastrophic flood impacts. This research supports science-based management decisions that safeguard human lives and preserve taxpayer investments across the National Park System.

The cooperative agreement leverages USU's research capabilities as part of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) network to deliver multi-disciplinary scientific analysis and integrated information products. Beneficiaries of this work include state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public. The project's findings will inform NPS flood risk assessment protocols and resource management strategies across multiple geographic regions of the National Park System.

15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu network 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 evaluate flood modeling and mapping methods to help the NPS develop an updated and more comprehensive framework for guarding against the potentially catastrophic impacts of future floods, thereby protecting human lives and taxpayer dollars.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.