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…

Grant Award Summary

West Liberty University received a $125,021 Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) National Office, effective July 14, 2025, through March 31, 2029, under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945). The award supports a comprehensive native and invasive crayfish survey at three NPS-managed sites in West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. Graduate and undergraduate students will conduct field surveys to update crayfish population data and species information, completing gaps left by the last comprehensive statewide survey conducted in the early 2000s.

The research project contributes to the broader CESU (Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units) network mission of facilitating multi-disciplinary science to inform evidence-based resource management across the National Park System. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and the general public. The deliverables will provide actionable scientific knowledge to support NPS management objectives while simultaneously providing educational and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in ecological research.

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 (NPS). The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. The recipient will survey native and invasive crayfish at new river gorge national park and preserve, gauley river national recreation area, and bluestone national scenic river. This survey, completed by graduate and undergraduate students, will help complete the results of the west virginia statewide survey and update crayfish information in these rivers. The last survey was completed in the early 2000S.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.