Notice of Intent | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This is a Notice of Intent from the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) focused on natural resource research and management where climate change, urban development, and aquatic habitat protection overlap. The topic centers on how managing urban tree canopy and riparian (streamside) tree cover can help protect salmonid streams in urban or urbanizing areas.

Which agency is offering the grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

What is the main research and management focus of the project topic?

The project focuses on managing urban tree canopy to reduce two related stressors in salmonid streams: ecological drought and urban thermal pollution. The goal is to produce science and management guidance that can be used to support more resilient stream conditions for salmonids as climate change and urbanization occur together.

What does "ecological drought" mean in this notice?

In this context, ecological drought refers to reduced water availability and altered hydrologic conditions driven by climate and land use. It describes drought-like impacts on stream ecosystems that result from both climatic factors and urban or land development influences on hydrology.

What is "urban thermal pollution" as described here?

Urban thermal pollution refers to stream warming linked to heat absorption from developed landscapes and the loss of shade. In developed areas, surfaces and altered riparian zones can contribute to higher stream temperatures, which can stress temperature-sensitive aquatic species.

Why is urban tree canopy relevant to salmonid stream health?

The central idea is that strategic management of urban forests and riparian tree cover can help moderate stream and watershed temperatures and may support more resilient stream conditions. Salmonids are described as highly sensitive to elevated water temperatures and altered flow regimes, so canopy-related shading and related effects are positioned as a practical tool for habitat protection in developed landscapes.

What kinds of activities or approaches does this opportunity support?

Based on the notice description, the work may include applied research and management-oriented science such as field studies, monitoring, modeling, and decision-support efforts related to urban canopy management and aquatic ecosystem protection. The expected outputs suggest measuring or modeling relationships between canopy cover and stream temperature/hydrology and translating findings into usable guidance.

What type of award is being used?

The opportunity is a discretionary award using a Cooperative Agreement.

What does it mean that this is a Cooperative Agreement?

A Cooperative Agreement indicates the USGS expects substantial involvement with the recipient during the project. Examples listed in the notice include collaboration on study design, data collection, analysis, and/or applying results.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Natural Resources.

What is the CFDA number and what does it correspond to?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 15.808, which corresponds to USGS research and related scientific support activities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. This typically includes state universities, public colleges, and similar public academic institutions capable of conducting relevant research and applied science.

Are private universities or non-academic organizations eligible?

Based on the eligibility statement provided, the eligible applicants are limited to public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. Other organization types are not included in the eligibility description provided in the notice summary.

How many awards does USGS expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates a single award. This suggests the program intends to support one lead institution rather than multiple independent awards.

What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $186,468.

When was the notice created and what was the closing date?

The notice was created on July 27, 2016. The original closing date was August 10, 2016, reflecting a short submission window.

What geographic or setting focus does the project emphasize?

The work is focused on salmonid streams in urban or urbanizing areas, particularly where development patterns and climate-driven changes interact to affect stream temperature and hydrologic conditions.

What outcomes or deliverables are implied by the notice?

The notice indicates the purpose is to generate actionable science and management guidance. Typical end products mentioned include: measured or modeled relationships between canopy cover and stream temperature/hydrology, identification of priority areas for canopy interventions, and practical recommendations that can be used by city planners, watershed managers, and resource agencies to protect cold-water fisheries in developed landscapes.

Who is expected to use the results of the project?

The notice points to practical use by city planners, watershed managers, and resource agencies, with a focus on protecting salmonid habitat and cold-water fisheries in developed or developing landscapes.

Is this opportunity more research-oriented or implementation-oriented?

The description emphasizes generating actionable science and management guidance, including measured or modeled relationships and decision-relevant recommendations. It is research-driven but explicitly oriented toward management application.

Does the notice specify whether partners or subawards are allowed?

The notice indicates there will be a single award to one lead institution and notes the lead may have partners or subawards depending on the terms, but specific partner/subaward rules are not provided in the summary information.