This agreement provides support for bighorn canyon national recreation area to implement aquatic invasive species detection activities and to collect, analyze, and interpret natural resource…

Montana State University's Office of Sponsored Programs received a $169,000 Cooperative Agreement from the National Park Service under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945), effective September 1, 2025, through April 30, 2030. The award supports Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in implementing aquatic invasive species (AIS) detection activities and collecting, analyzing, and interpreting natural resource data related to water quality and vegetation management within the park.

The primary deliverables include establishing boat and water inspection capabilities to identify and prevent AIS from entering the park's water resources, implementing immediate response strategies upon detection to prevent AIS spread, and generating scientific data to inform management decisions protecting Yellowtail Dam and the park's world-class fisheries. The project benefits multiple stakeholder categories including state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and members of the general public. The comprehensive data collection and analysis activities will provide the park with evidence-based information necessary for protecting critical natural resources and maintaining the integrity of the National Recreation Area's aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

This agreement provides support for bighorn canyon national recreation area to implement aquatic invasive species detection activities and to collect, analyze, and interpret natural resource information (water and vegetation) in the park. Park staff require the ability to check boats and waters for aquatic invasives in order to stop them from entering the water resources. Park staff must implement response strategies immediately if any are detected to stop aquatic invasives from spreading. This is critical to protect the yellowtail DAM as well as these world class fisheries. These detection activities and data gathered will be used to make informed management decisions about upland vegetation, water quality, and other critical natural resources. This agreement provides support for bighorn canyon national recreation area to implement aquatic invasive species detection activities and to collect, analyze, and interpret natural resource information (water and vegetation) in the park. Park staff require the ability to check boats and waters for aquatic invasives in order to stop them from entering the water resources. Park staff must implement response strategies immediately if any are detected to stop aquatic invasives from spreading. This is critical to protect the yellowtail DAM as well as these world class fisheries. These detection activities and data gathered will be used to make informed management decisions about upland vegetation, water quality, and other critical natural resources.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).