The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center is offering a funding opportunity through the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit for research to assess the effectiveness of land management treatments in reducing hazardous fuels, mitigating wildfire risks, and promoting the recovery of vegetation and soils in the southwestern United States. The increasing occurrence of severe wildfires, driven by fire suppression, climate change, invasive species, and woody plant encroachment, poses significant risks to human life, wildlife habitats, and natural and cultural resources. This opportunity addresses the need to develop scientifically credible research to improve strategies that mitigate these risks and recover degraded ecosystems.

The funding opportunity focuses on evaluating historical and current treatment practices and developing decision-support tools to assist land managers in planning effective land treatments. Specific research objectives include assessing fuel load conditions, evaluating the impacts of prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and invasive species removal, and studying the effectiveness of native plant materials and seeding practices in restoration outcomes. Additionally, the research aims to promote healthy soils and native plant communities while maintaining ecosystem function under stressors such as drought, invasive species, and increasing aridification.

The award will provide a total of $200,000, with $100,000 available for fiscal year 2025. The project consists of one base year with the potential for two renewal years, contingent on satisfactory progress and the availability of funding. Eligible applicants must be affiliated partners of the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, a requirement that aligns with the collaborative research goals of CESU programs.

Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov and include detailed proposal components. Required elements include the principal investigator's contact details, technical staff qualifications, available laboratories and equipment, and a comprehensive project proposal. The proposal must include an introduction and statement of the problem, clearly defined objectives, detailed methods, planned products, dissemination strategies, references, and a complete budget. Applicants must also submit a data management plan describing how data will be produced, managed, and shared in accordance with USGS policy.

Proposals will be evaluated based on four main criteria: how well the proposed research meets the project goals, the effectiveness of the research approach, the reasonableness and appropriateness of the budget, and the qualifications of the applicant's research team. Each criterion is weighted equally, and the final award decision will be made by a USGS contracting officer following technical evaluations.

Award recipients must adhere to reporting requirements, including annual progress reports, financial reports, and a final technical report summarizing project results. Recipients are also required to acknowledge USGS support in publications and ensure compliance with data-sharing policies. For further information, applicants may contact Faith Graves, the designated CESU Contract Specialist, via email or phone. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to be considered for funding.