Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU funding opportunity.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is G16AS00105.

Which federal agency is offering this award?

It is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) award administered through the Department of the Interior.

Who is this opportunity targeted to?

This opportunity is targeted specifically to a CESU partner organization.

What type of award is it?

The project is structured as a cooperative agreement.

What is the program/category classification for this opportunity?

It falls under the science and technology/research and development category and is listed under CFDA 15.808.

When was the funding opportunity released?

The funding was released on June 22, 2016.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was July 8, 2016.

How many awards did the agency anticipate making?

The agency anticipated making one award.

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The maximum (ceiling) amount is $19,740.

What is the overall purpose of the project?

The purpose is to support applied conservation science that can directly inform on-the-ground invasive species management decisions.

What specific conservation problem is the project trying to address?

The project evaluates how eradication of the invasive American bullfrog affects two federally threatened native species in southern Arizona, in a setting where reinvasion pressure could reverse earlier recovery gains unless remaining bullfrog populations are identified and addressed strategically.

Which invasive species is the focus of the eradication evaluation?

The project focuses on the invasive American bullfrog.

Which native species are the primary focus of the evaluation?

The evaluation focuses on two federally threatened species: the Chiricahua Leopard Frog and the Northern Mexican Gartersnake.

Why are American bullfrogs considered a major threat in the project area?

Bullfrogs are described as a major threat because they can prey on native amphibians, compete with them, and contribute to ecological pressure that can undermine previous recovery gains.

Where is the project located geographically?

The work is focused on southern Arizona along the U.S.-Mexico border.

What is the primary geographic hub or focal area mentioned?

The project centers on remaining bullfrog strongholds and reinvasion corridors associated with Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR).

Does the project area extend beyond BANWR?

Yes. The footprint extends beyond the refuge to include surrounding landscapes that can act as sources of new invaders, including Coronado National Forest and relevant private and State lands.

Why does the opportunity emphasize a broader landscape approach?

It reflects the idea that bullfrog control inside a protected area may not hold if nearby, unmanaged populations continue to seed reinvasions.

What primary method will be used to detect species presence?

The project is built around environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to estimate occupancy, detecting the presence of organisms using DNA traces left in water bodies rather than relying only on visual surveys or captures.

Which species will eDNA sampling be used to assess?

eDNA will be used to assess where Chiricahua Leopard Frogs, Northern Mexican Gartersnakes, and American bullfrogs are present across the project area.

Will the study look at additional species or pathogens beyond the three main targets?

Yes. The sampling will include five other amphibian species or pathogens that commonly occur in the same landscape to capture a more complete picture of community composition and potential disease or ecological interactions relevant to recovery outcomes.

What does "occupancy" mean in the context of this project?

Occupancy refers to estimating where target organisms are present across the study area, based on detection methods (here, eDNA sampling from water bodies).

How is the sampling design set up to support management decision-making?

A major design feature is stratification of sampling areas to support management comparisons, helping managers weigh different eradication strategies by comparing the potential value of focusing effort on several small bullfrog populations versus concentrating on a few large populations.

What kinds of management decisions is this project intended to inform?

It is intended to inform decisions about where bullfrog control efforts are most likely to protect threatened native species and prevent reinvasion, especially in and around BANWR where strongholds and source populations appear to drive ongoing risk.

What are the expected deliverables from the project?

The expected deliverable is more than a map of detections; it includes actionable recommendations grounded in field data about where control efforts are most likely to be effective for protecting threatened native species and preventing reinvasion.

How does the opportunity describe the management context or urgency?

It notes that earlier eradication actions have produced progress, but ongoing bullfrog presence in key locations and continued reinvasion pressure from nearby source areas could quickly reverse those gains unless remaining populations are identified and addressed strategically.