Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units that provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to…

The National Park Service awarded a $190,030 Cooperative Agreement to New Mexico State University on February 27, 2026, under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) to conduct background research, condition assessments, and site identification and documentation of archeological and paleontological sites at White Sands National Park. The work focuses particularly on fossilized trackway sites and the continuation of prehistoric sites across the floor of Paleo Lake Otero and uplands areas of the park. Performance extends through March 31, 2028, and takes place in New Mexico. The cooperative agreement structure supports the National Park Service's broader network of university-based study units that facilitate multidisciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the National Park System. Beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.

Programming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units that provide full geographic and topical coverage for research, technical assistance, and educational activities related to the resources within units of the national park system and their larger regions the study units facilitate multidisciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. The goal of this project is to conduct background research, condition assessments, and site identification and documentation of archeological and paleontological sites at white sands national park. This work will focus particularly on fossilized trackway sites and the continuation of prehistoric sites across the floor of paleo lake otero and uplands areas of the park.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public