Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU | G20AS00063

Opportunity Information: Apply for G20AS00063

The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU funding opportunity (Opportunity Number G20AS00063) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary grant offered through a cooperative agreement to support a focused research project on tidal saline wetlands. The project topic is identified as "A National synoptic evaluation of tidal saline wetland elevation change trends using Surface Elevation Table data." In practical terms, the USGS is seeking a CESU partner to synthesize and analyze empirical measurements from Surface Elevation Tables (SETs), which are widely used field instruments for tracking subtle changes in wetland surface elevation over time. By using real, on-the-ground elevation data, the work is intended to strengthen scientific understanding of how salt marshes and other tidal saline wetlands are responding to ongoing sea level rise.

The central purpose of the project is to evaluate surface elevation change trends across the U.S. coastline at a national, cross-region scale, rather than in isolated local studies. The USGS emphasizes understanding both the direction and drivers of elevation change, since a wetland's ability to build or maintain elevation is a key factor in whether it can persist as sea levels rise. The opportunity specifically calls for examining how observed elevation trends relate to several major controls: (1) geographic region, recognizing that coastlines differ in climate, oceanography, and sea level rise rates; (2) geomorphic setting, such as differences among barrier island marshes, estuarine marshes, or deltaic systems; (3) potential sediment supply, because mineral sediment delivery can help wetlands accrete vertically; (4) foundation plant species, acknowledging that dominant vegetation can influence organic matter accumulation, sediment trapping, and belowground structure; and (5) sea level rise (SLR) itself, as the overarching stressor that creates the need for wetlands to gain elevation to avoid submergence.

This research is framed as directly supporting USGS priorities in coastal science, particularly efforts to assess coastal wetland vulnerability and improve understanding of tidal wetland evolution under climate-driven sea level rise. The outcomes are also positioned as responsive to management needs, meaning the resulting synthesis and interpretation should be useful to agencies and practitioners making decisions about conservation, restoration, and adaptation planning for coastal wetlands. Although the notice does not list specific deliverables in the excerpt provided, the emphasis on a national synoptic evaluation implies a comprehensive analysis that compares patterns across many sites and identifies which combinations of landscape setting, sediment conditions, vegetation type, and regional context are associated with more resilient or more vulnerable elevation trajectories.

Administratively, the opportunity is issued by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, and is associated with CFDA number 15.808. It was created on May 6, 2020, with an original closing date of May 22, 2020. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates substantial involvement or collaboration with USGS staff during the project, as opposed to a more hands-off grant. Eligibility is limited to CESU partners (listed under "Others" with clarification in the full eligibility text), reflecting the CESU program's intent to leverage established research partnerships. The award ceiling is $105,000, and USGS anticipated making one award, indicating a single, targeted project rather than a broad competition funding multiple teams.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 06, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 22, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $105,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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