The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) funding opportunity for research on floodplain forest dynamics and canopy regeneration in the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). This project, open to Great Rivers CESU-affiliated partners, will examine floodplain forest canopy loss and the potential for regeneration. It aims to assess factors driving vegetation changes, the resilience of certain areas, and whether emerging canopy patterns are consistent with expected successional trajectories. Additionally, the project will evaluate the potential of small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) to supplement or replace traditional, on-the-ground forest surveys. This research has broad implications for managing UMRS floodplain forests, which face threats from invasive species, altered flooding patterns, and climate change.

USGS anticipates one award, providing $71,707 in FY 2025 funding, with a possibility of renewal contingent on performance and availability of funds. Applicants must be affiliated with the Great Rivers CESU network. Applications should be submitted electronically through Grants.gov, and any questions may be directed to Faith Graves, USGS CESU Contract Specialist.

Applicants must submit contact information for the Principal Investigator and technical staff, a description of relevant laboratories and equipment, and a summary of staff experience in related work. The proposal narrative should include an introduction to the research problem, clearly defined objectives, detailed methods, planned products, and a dissemination strategy to share research findings with stakeholders, including scientific communities and relevant government agencies. The budget must cover personnel costs, fringe benefits, travel expenses, lab analyses, equipment, and indirect costs using the CESU-negotiated rate of 17.5%. A Data Management Plan (DMP) of up to two pages is also required, detailing data standards, sharing, and archival strategies.

USGS will evaluate proposals based on their alignment with program objectives, technical approach, budget justification, and the experience of the applicant’s team. Scoring criteria include relevance to floodplain forest ecology, technical feasibility, budget clarity, and qualifications in forest management research. Selected recipients must submit regular progress reports, a final technical report, and annual financial statements using the SF-425 form. Publications must acknowledge USGS support, and two copies should be sent to the Department of the Interior’s Natural Resources Library. Payment for the project will be managed through the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system.