The project will assess and update regional threats to park natural resources in the national capital region and southeast region parks using established methods from the threats assessment approach…

NatureServe, Inc. received a $126,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945), effective August 25, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2027. The project will assess and update regional threats to natural resources across National Park System units in the National Capital Region and Southeast Region using established threats assessment methodologies. NatureServe will compile and integrate location data from trusted sources, including NPS Inventory and Monitoring Networks, to develop comprehensive data summaries addressing landcover changes, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem resilience, and at-risk species and ecosystems.

The cooperative agreement deliverables include compiled threat assessment data, regional natural resource summaries, and recommendations for efficient management actions designed to address identified threats and support NPS resource management objectives. This project aligns with the program's focus on multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products to support evidence-based management of the National Park System, leveraging NatureServe's expertise in biodiversity data, conservation assessments, and ecological information services.

The project will assess and update regional threats to park natural resources in the national capital region and southeast region parks using established methods from the threats assessment approach with updated information on landcover, fragmentation, ecosystem resilience, at-risk species and ecosystems. The project will compile available location data from trusted data sources, including national park service inventory and monitoring networks, provide data summaries for significant park natural resources, and summarize efficient management actions to address threats and meet national park service management goals.