Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Montana received a $349,289 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Environmental Biology under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), effective September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2031. This collaborative research project develops improved methodologies for understanding how natural variability in environmental conditions—particularly water availability and temperature—affects tree growth across the United States. The research utilizes highly-sensitive automated point dendrometers installed at multiple sites through the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to track above- and below-ground tree growth dynamics at hourly to daily timescales, enabling mechanistic understanding of short-term growth responses to meteorological fluctuations. The project generates accessible daily-to-seasonal intra-annual tree growth datasets spanning multiple forest types across the continental U.S.

The grant delivers multiple products and services supporting both scientific advancement and education. Primary deliverables include improved predictive tools and mechanistic frameworks for quantifying forest productivity responses to environmental variability at fine temporal scales, which enable science-based decision-making for forest health, rural economic sustainability, and long-term resource management. The project also provides direct educational and career development benefits through hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate students, graduate students, K-12 teachers, and students exploring the relationships between weather variability and tree growth dynamics. Research data generated through this effort are made available to the broader scientific community to advance understanding of forest growth and change over time.