Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity supports research to better understand major threats and regeneration dynamics of whitebark pine in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The core goal is to build quantitative, data-driven models that explain where and why whitebark pine experiences (1) blister rust infection and (2) mountain pine beetle-caused mortality, and also to explain how well the species is recruiting juvenile trees within existing mature stands.

2) What agency and program are issuing the opportunity?

The grant opportunity is issued by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) under the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).

3) What geographic area is the project focused on?

The work is focused on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

4) What kinds of ecological issues does the project address?

The project focuses on blister rust infection patterns, mountain pine beetle-related mortality patterns, and recruitment/regeneration of juvenile whitebark pine within mature stands. The intent is to clarify how disease, insect impacts, and regeneration potential vary across the landscape and what drives those patterns.

5) What is meant by building "quantitative, data-driven models" in this opportunity?

The project is meant to convert field and spatial data into predictive or explanatory relationships that clarify the distribution, intensity, and drivers of blister rust, mountain pine beetle impacts, and whitebark pine recruitment. In other words, it emphasizes modeling that links observed outcomes (infection, mortality, recruitment) to environmental and stand variables.

6) Is the modeling expected to be spatial?

Yes. A central feature of the work is the use of spatial regression modeling paired with spatially explicit environmental and stand variables. The emphasis is on capturing geographic patterning rather than assuming observations are independent and uniform across the landscape.

7) What statistical approach is expected for evaluating hypotheses?

Applicants are expected to evaluate multiple competing hypotheses using an information-theoretic framework rather than traditional null hypothesis testing. The announcement specifically calls for model selection using information criteria such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and notes that model averaging (also AIC-based) may be needed when multiple models have similar support.

8) Why does the opportunity emphasize AIC and model averaging?

The opportunity describes an approach associated with Burnham and Anderson that compares well-formulated candidate models based on their relative information loss. This can be useful in ecological systems where multiple drivers may operate simultaneously and where strict null hypothesis testing can be limiting.

9) At what biological scales should modeling be conducted?

The opportunity expects modeling at two scales: (1) the stand level and (2) the individual tree level.

10) What is expected at the stand level?

At the stand level, the project would assess how topography, location, and forest structure relate to blister rust presence or infection rates and to mountain pine beetle mortality patterns.

11) What stand-level variables (covariates) are listed in the announcement?

The stand-level covariates listed include slope, elevation, aspect, latitude, longitude, a solar radiation index (referencing Keating et al. 2006), habitat type (referencing Steele et al. 1983), stem density, basal area, and whether blister rust or mountain pine beetle are present or absent within a stand.

12) What is expected at the individual tree level?

At the individual tree level, the analysis is expected to incorporate detailed tree attributes that may influence susceptibility and outcomes for infection and mortality.

13) What individual tree variables (covariates) are listed in the announcement?

Individual tree attributes listed include diameter at breast height, recorded rust infection level, number of stems per tree cluster (reflecting the multi-stem growth form common in whitebark pine), height class, live canopy volume, and an overall categorical health rating.

14) Does the opportunity require hypothesis-driven candidate models?

Yes. The announcement indicates that NOROCK will be consulted to help develop a set of a priori candidate models to test for infection, mortality, and recruitment. This implies a hypothesis-driven approach where candidate model structures are defined in advance rather than relying on purely exploratory model searching.

15) What is the role of recruitment and regeneration in this opportunity?

Recruitment and regeneration are explicit priorities. The opportunity calls for quantitative models that explain recruitment rates of juvenile whitebark pine within mature stands and analysis of juvenile stem densities using similar spatial and environmental covariates.

16) How are recruitment results intended to be used?

The intent is to connect recruitment patterns to forest regeneration potential. Results should help interpret whether current conditions support replacement of mature trees over time or indicate barriers to regeneration, and how disease and insect mortality might interact with environmental gradients to shape future stand structure.

17) What type of funding instrument will be used?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement. That indicates an expectation of substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal scientific team rather than a hands-off grant structure.

18) What is the CFDA number and program name?

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

19) How much funding is available and how many awards are expected?

The estimated total funding is $20,000, with an expectation of one award.

20) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official participating partners in the Rocky Mountain CESU network.

22) Why is eligibility limited to Rocky Mountain CESU partners?

The announcement describes CESUs as partnership-based frameworks designed to provide research, technical assistance, and education in support of public land and resource management. This opportunity is issued under that partnership structure.

23) What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The opportunity was posted on July 15, 2009, with a closing date of July 27, 2009. It was later archived on August 26, 2009.

24) Who should be contacted for access issues or administrative questions?

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