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…

The National Park Service awarded a $150,000 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Florida, Division of Sponsored Research on August 29, 2025, under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945). The award funds the development, implementation, and testing of population monitoring protocols for the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow in Florida through December 31, 2027. The primary deliverables include scientific protocols and assessments designed to evaluate the impacts of proposed captive breeding initiatives on wild sparrow populations, specifically measuring whether removal of individuals for captive breeding programs results in population declines and whether subsequent release of captive-bred birds improves overall population status.

The project will generate comprehensive monitoring data and scientific findings to be shared with the National Park Service, state and local communities, conservation organizations, and the public to inform future marsh restoration efforts and species recovery strategies. By establishing rigorous assessment methodologies within the Cooperative Study Units network, the University of Florida will provide multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products to support evidence-based management decisions for the National Park System's conservation objectives.

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 would develop, implement, and test population monitoring protocols for the purpose of assessing changes in the population of the endangered cape sable seaside sparrow in conjunction with proposed captive breeding. The project will evaluate the impacts of proposed captive breeding on the sparrow s population, both to ensure that removal of individuals from the wild to initiate captive breeding does not lead to declines, and later to determine whether the addition of captive-bred birds improves the population status in the wild. This assessment will be shared broadly to inform future efforts for the park, local and state communities, organizations, and members of the public regarding marsh restoration.