Evaluate Displacement of Birds by Recreational Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

This grant notice is a public announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS), describing its intent to fund a specific research project without holding an open competition. In other words, it is not an application opportunity for the general public. The NPS states up front that it will not accept applications from any organization other than the University of Washington, because the award will be made under an existing Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) master agreement for the Pacific Northwest (Master Agreement P16AC00003). The opportunity is listed as a discretionary cooperative agreement in the education and natural resources area, under CFDA 15.945 (Cooperative Research and Training Programs - Resources of the National Park System). The statutory authority cited is 54 USC 100703, which governs Cooperative Study Units.

The project itself is titled "Evaluate Displacement of Birds by Activities Associated with Recreational Use in Denali National Park & Preserve" (also referenced as evaluating displacement of birds by recreational activities in Denali). The central purpose is to understand how recreation and other human use may be changing bird distribution, abundance, and potentially nesting outcomes in Denali, particularly near developed areas. The NPS notes that recreation can affect birds both through direct disturbance (for example, people flushing birds off nests) and through indirect changes tied to infrastructure and habitat alteration that support visitation (such as roads, campgrounds, and rest areas). The notice highlights that different species may respond in different ways: some may benefit from human presence or development (Gray Jays could take advantage of food resources around campgrounds), while others may be harmed (Golden Plovers may be more sensitive to hikers and could be driven off ground nests, increasing the risk of egg or chick predation).

A major motivation for the study is that Denali staff and observers have seen signs suggesting fewer birds and lower bird diversity around the Park Road and developed visitor areas, and long-term roadside surveys have documented declines in some species. What is not clear, and what this project is meant to help resolve, is whether these observed declines are actually caused by changes in recreational use and disturbance near developed corridors, or whether they reflect broader, park-wide shifts in where birds occur or how abundant they are. The study is therefore framed as a management-relevant research effort: it aims to produce evidence that can guide how the park protects bird resources while still accommodating visitor use.

The planned research will compare bird distribution and abundance in high-use or developed areas versus less disturbed habitats elsewhere in the park. The announcement also signals that the work may extend beyond simple presence or counts and could include investigating effects on nesting behavior and nesting success, which would help determine whether disturbance is merely moving birds around or is also reducing reproductive outcomes. The expected products include reports and publications that contribute to scientific understanding of bird community responses to human disturbance and provide practical information for land managers. The project also includes a clear outreach and education component, with presentations and other outreach products intended to help visitors better understand Denali bird communities and learn actions they can take to reduce negative impacts. In addition, the plan includes workshops that invite local residents to share observations about changes in bird communities, creating a forum for community engagement and stewardship around avian conservation.

From an administrative and funding perspective, the anticipated total award amount is $179,000 with no cost share required, and the award ceiling is listed as $200,000. The NPS expects to make one award. The planned period of performance is four years, running from May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2020, using a CESU task agreement instrument. The notice identifies Erica Cordeiro as the point of contact.

The roles are split in a way that is typical for a cooperative agreement, where the federal agency is substantially involved rather than simply issuing funds and stepping back. The University of Washington, as the recipient, is expected to hire and support a graduate research assistant, provide academic supervision leading to completion of a Masters degree, and take the lead on study design and implementation. That includes carrying out field work in Denali, managing and analyzing data, and coordinating with the NPS to ensure the project meets the park's objectives. The NPS, in turn, anticipates substantial involvement by providing practical on-the-ground support such as required training (bear safety is specifically mentioned), local housing, assistance with recruitment of the graduate student, mentoring and oversight of field activities, input into the study design, review of products, and provision of some field supplies. Overall, the announcement describes a collaborative research and training project designed to produce actionable information for protecting birds in Denali while also supporting graduate education and public engagement.

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