Cooperative Ecosystem Studes Unit, North and West Alaska CESU | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced a discretionary funding opportunity under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically through the North and West Alaska CESU. The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates that USGS expects to have substantial involvement in the project’s direction or coordination compared with a standard grant. The activity falls under science and technology and other research and development, and it is tied to USGS research and data collection (CFDA 15.808). The opportunity was posted on June 26, 2014, with an application deadline of July 8, 2014, and it later archived on September 26, 2014.

The core purpose of the project is to support molecular genetic analysis of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) sampled across the species’ full range. Although the administrative vehicle is the North and West Alaska CESU, the research focus is on a species found in the northeastern United States, reflecting how CESU networks can be used to engage qualified partner institutions regardless of where the target ecosystem or species occurs. The work centers on generating and analyzing genetic data from samples collected throughout the rabbit’s distribution to answer conservation-relevant questions.

USGS frames the need for this research around the New England cottontail’s steep decline from what was once a broad distribution across New England and eastern New York. The decline is attributed primarily to habitat loss and fragmentation, which reduce and isolate suitable early-successional shrubland habitats the species depends on. Because of these declines, the species is under review as a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. In parallel, multiple partners across state, federal, and non-governmental organizations have established measurable goals through a range-wide conservation effort known as the New England Cottontail Conservation Initiative. The genetic work supported by this opportunity is positioned as a key scientific input to that initiative.

The genetic analyses are intended to produce actionable conservation information rather than purely academic results. USGS highlights three main conservation applications: first, assessing the extent and distribution of genetic diversity across populations; second, characterizing metapopulation connectivity, meaning how subpopulations are linked by dispersal and gene flow across a fragmented landscape; and third, identifying conservation units, which can include genetically distinct populations or management units that may warrant targeted protection, habitat work, or monitoring. Taken together, these outputs would help partners prioritize habitat restoration, evaluate whether populations are becoming isolated or inbred, and guide decisions about where conservation actions can most effectively maintain or restore connectivity.

The opportunity anticipated a single award with an estimated total federal funding amount of $57,098. No cost sharing or matching funds were required. The funding announcement lists no award ceiling or floor, suggesting the project budget was expected to align with the stated total funding level and negotiated scope under the cooperative agreement structure.

Eligibility was limited to partners participating in the North and West Alaska CESU Program. The announcement describes eligible applicants broadly as “Others,” but clarifies that applicants must be an official CESU partner within that specific CESU network. Interested parties were directed to the full announcement on Grants.gov for complete application instructions and requirements. For access issues or questions, the contact provided was Faith Graves at USGS (703-648-7356, fgraves@usgs.gov).

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