15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research,…

Federal Cooperative Agreement Award Summary

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $150,000 to the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) on August 29, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2029. The project identifies geographic locations where mercury concentrations in fish and wildlife present potential threats to public health and ecosystem integrity across approximately six National Park System units. Primary deliverables include collection and laboratory testing of dragonfly larvae samples from lakes, streams, and wetlands to establish mercury concentration baselines that serve as bioindicators for mercury levels in broader fish and wildlife populations.

The award incorporates significant educational and public engagement components aligned with NPS stewardship objectives. Deliverables include hands-on research experience for students, expansion of scientific knowledge regarding dragonfly species and mercury bioaccumulation, and public access to study findings. The project fosters shared stewardship by engaging students and the general public in sample collection activities, thereby increasing public understanding of mercury contamination issues affecting national park ecosystems. This cooperative agreement exemplifies the CFDA 15.945 program's emphasis on multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products supporting science-based management decisions within the National Park System.

15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming 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 will identify locations where mercury concentrations in fish and wildlife are high and may pose threats to public health and wildlife health. The project will sample dragonfly larvae in lakes, streams, and wetlands in approximately 6 national park units. The samples will be tested for mercury concentrations, which reflects mercury concentrations in fish and wildlife. The project will engage students and the public in collecting dragonfly larvae samples for testing, increasing public understanding of the issues and fostering a sense of shared stewardship for natural resources.beneficiaries include students gaining hands-on experience, the scientific community expanding knowledge about the species, and the public accessing study findings.