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

The National Park Service (NPS), under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System program (CFDA 15.945), awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the Desert Research Institute (operating under the Nevada System of Higher Education) in the amount of $136,811.65, effective September 1, 2025, through September 1, 2027. The award funds the operations and maintenance of a network of weather stations and associated web-based weather data information products located in Hawaii and other National Park System units.

The weather station network provides real-time meteorological data to support science-based management decisions by NPS natural resource managers, emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, and park visitors, as well as state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders. The stations deliver critical monitoring capabilities in park locations with insufficient existing coverage, furnishing site-specific data essential for informed decision-making regarding extreme weather events (flash floods, damaging winds, hurricanes), volcanic activity, wildland fire conditions, and drought. These integrated information products serve to enhance multi-disciplinary science applications and support the NPS mission to inform resource management across the National Park System.

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 agreement funds the operations and maintenance of weather stations and associated web-based weather data information products. The network of stations provides real-time data vital to NPS decision-makers including natural resource managers, emergency responders, and law enforcement as well as to park visitors, other governmental agencies, regional stakeholders, and private sector entities. The stations provide critical information related to extreme weather events (e.g., flash floods, damaging winds, hurricanes), volcanic activity, wildland fire, and drought conditions in park locations without adequate monitoring station coverage and access to site-specific data to inform decisions.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).