Cooperative Ecosytem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | G17AS00044

Opportunity Information: Apply for G17AS00044

The Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is soliciting a single cooperative agreement proposal through the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to support applied research focused on conserving the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas), a state-endangered amphibian in Colorado. The project is framed around generating practical, management-relevant science that can inform recovery actions for boreal toads in and around Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), with the expectation that the findings will also be useful more broadly for conserving other frogs and toads (anurans) facing similar threats.

At the core of the opportunity are two related research needs. First, USGS wants better estimates of demographic rates tied to specific life stages, with particular emphasis on life stages where current information is sparse. Second, the work should compare key “vital rates” (such as survival, growth, or recruitment) among populations that differ in their history or intensity of interaction with the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Bd is widely recognized as a major driver of amphibian declines because it causes chytridiomycosis, a potentially fatal skin disease, and it has been implicated in rapid boreal toad declines in RMNP and the broader Southern Rocky Mountains.

The conservation context described in the notice is stark. Boreal toads are one of only four amphibian species native to RMNP, and long-term records and surveys dating back to 1915 show a steep reduction in breeding locations over the last three decades. Over the past 15 years, breeding has been confirmed at only six sites in the park, and by 2016 breeding was observed at just four of those remaining sites. Compounding the concern, Bd has been detected at three of the remaining breeding sites, creating an urgent need to understand how disease presence and progression affect population performance and recovery potential. The opportunity also notes that the species was under consideration for listing under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the time (with a decision anticipated in fall 2017), underscoring the regulatory and management urgency.

A key motivation for the funding is a well-known gap in amphibian population science: juvenile stages are hard to study because young toads often disperse away from breeding wetlands and become difficult to detect until they return as breeding adults. This “missing” period makes it challenging for managers to evaluate whether reintroductions are working, whether disease mitigation is improving outcomes, or whether habitat constraints are limiting survival and recruitment during juvenile life stages. By targeting this data gap, the grant aims to produce information that can directly strengthen recovery planning, including identifying which life stages are most limiting and how Bd exposure may alter survival or recruitment pathways across different populations.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G17AS00044) offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.808, categorized under science and technology and other research and development. Eligibility is limited to CESU partners (the listing notes “Others,” with clarification referenced in the eligibility details), meaning applicants generally must be part of or apply through the CESU network. The award ceiling is $44,000, with USGS expecting to make one award. The opportunity was posted on February 28, 2017, and had an original closing date of March 15, 2017.

• The Department of the Interior, Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosytem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain 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 Feb 28, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 15, 2017. (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 $44,000.00 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).

Apply for G17AS00044

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