Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) financial assistance opportunity offered through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network, specifically the Californian CESU. It supports science and technology research focused on improving greenhouse gas offset protocols for wetland restoration projects.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 11HQPA0012.

Which agency is providing the funding?

The funding is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the main purpose of the research supported by this opportunity?

The purpose is to develop and improve credible, scalable, and scientifically rigorous methods for measuring carbon storage in restored and actively managed wetlands, with an emphasis on methods that can support greenhouse gas offset protocol development for wetland restoration projects.

What geographic area is highlighted in the opportunity?

The opportunity highlights California's Delta region as a key context, where restored and actively managed wetlands could become a practical land use strategy.

How are restored wetlands framed in this announcement?

Restored and actively managed wetlands are framed as potentially providing multiple benefits at once, including improved habitat, reduced risk of catastrophic flooding, and the generation of verifiable carbon offset credits that could create a revenue stream for landowners.

What are "carbon capture wetland farms" in the context of this opportunity?

The announcement uses the phrase to describe restored and actively managed wetlands that may function as carbon-storing landscapes while also delivering ecological and flood-risk benefits, potentially supporting carbon offset credit generation.

Why is measuring carbon storage in wetlands a central issue for offset protocols?

Because offset protocols and crediting rates depend on defensible estimates of how much carbon is stored over time. Without credible and scalable measurement approaches, it becomes difficult for carbon markets and regulators to trust the claimed climate benefits and to set reliable offset crediting rates.

What specific measurement priority does the USGS emphasize?

The USGS emphasizes quantifying below-ground net primary productivity (BNPP) and carbon storage rates at large scales.

What is BNPP and why does it matter here?

BNPP stands for below-ground net primary productivity. It matters because a large share of long-term carbon storage in wetlands occurs below the surface through root growth, organic matter accumulation, and soil formation. These below-ground pools are central to evaluating whether carbon sequestration is additional and durable for offset purposes.

Is this research focused on a single site or larger areas?

The announcement positions the work as going beyond a single restoration site, aiming instead to determine how to monitor below-ground biomass and productivity regionally in a way that is practical, repeatable, and scientifically rigorous.

Does the opportunity mention greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide?

Yes. It notes broader national relevance for assessing greenhouse gas dynamics across ecosystems, including methane and nitrous oxide emissions, not only carbon dioxide sequestration.

Why are methane and nitrous oxide mentioned in a wetlands context?

The opportunity notes that wetlands can store carbon while also emitting methane, and that the net climate impact depends on accurately characterizing major greenhouse gases. Improved measurement approaches help ensure offset protocols reflect net greenhouse gas benefits rather than focusing on a single component.

What type of award is anticipated?

The announcement anticipated a single award.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount is $43,347.

Are cost sharing or matching funds required?

No. The opportunity did not require cost sharing or matching funds.

Why do the award ceiling and award floor appear as $0?

The source data lists the award ceiling and floor as $0, but the announcement provides an estimated total funding amount of $43,347, which indicates the approximate funding available for the selected project.

What is the assistance mechanism used for this funding?

The funding is offered as a discretionary Cooperative Agreement under the CESU framework, indicating it is intended to be carried out in partnership with the CESU network rather than as a simple grant with minimal federal involvement.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What program listing (CFDA) is associated with this opportunity?

The program is listed under CFDA 15.808, U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are already participating partners in the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.

What is a CESU in the context provided?

CESUs are formal partnerships designed to provide research, technical assistance, and education. This opportunity is specifically tied to the established Californian CESU network.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posted date was November 2, 2010. The original closing date was November 15, 2010. The current closing date (after an extension) was January 4, 2011. The archive date was February 3, 2011.

Was the application deadline extended?

Yes. The original closing date was November 15, 2010, and it was extended to a current closing date of January 4, 2011.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The archive date of February 3, 2011 indicates the opportunity is no longer active.

Who is the contact for access issues or administrative questions?

The contact listed is Faith Graves, Contract Specialist, at 703-648-7356.

What is the overall role of this funding in the wetland restoration and carbon markets space?

It is described as targeted seed funding for specialized research that bridges wetland restoration practice, greenhouse gas accounting science, and the practical requirements of carbon offset protocol development, with an emphasis on transferable monitoring methods for below-ground productivity and carbon storage.

What intended outcomes are described beyond producing new data?

The intended outcome includes improved and transferable methods for monitoring below-ground productivity and carbon storage that can support credible offset credits in California's Delta and inform broader ecosystem greenhouse gas assessments nationally.