Opportunity Information: Apply for G17AS00094
The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G17AS00094) is a US Geological Survey research funding call administered by the Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, through the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK). It is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category (CFDA 15.808). The purpose of the project is to build a clearer, system-wide understanding of how invasive lake trout alter lake ecosystems, not just by affecting individual native fish species, but by reshaping whole fish communities and the aquatic food webs that support them. The results are intended to feed directly into practical planning tools that help managers anticipate where invasions are most likely to cause harm, identify which systems are most vulnerable, and improve mitigation strategies over the long term.
At the center of the work is the need to untangle the “who eats whom” relationships in invaded and managed lakes, and to quantify how those relationships change under different conditions. Invasive lake trout can function as strong top predators, which often means they do not merely compete with native fish but can restructure trophic linkages across multiple levels of the food web. This opportunity is looking for research that moves beyond basic presence/absence or simple abundance trends and instead produces a quantitative analysis of food web structure and trophic connections. In practical terms, that implies data-rich approaches that can describe trophic pathways, energy flow, and shifts in predator-prey dynamics in lakes that differ in invasion intensity and management intervention.
The project’s objectives are organized around four connected research needs. First, the study must assess food web changes linked to lake trout invasion across five lakes representing a gradient of lake trout impacts. This “varying degrees” framing signals that the agency wants comparative work capable of detecting patterns across lakes, such as how food web structure changes as an invasion progresses or intensifies. Second, the project must evaluate the food web effects of continued aggressive suppression efforts in Quartz and Logging Lakes, where lake trout control measures are already underway. This objective emphasizes management as an experiment of sorts: suppression can reduce lake trout numbers, but the ecological response may be complex, potentially involving rebounds or shifts in native fish, prey communities, and the broader web of interactions. Third, the project must examine food web changes associated with bull trout conservation translocations in Grace Lake, reflecting a second type of intervention: the deliberate movement or introduction of imperiled native bull trout to support conservation goals. That component is meant to capture how adding or re-establishing native predators or competitors might influence trophic relationships, community composition, and recovery trajectories in a lake system.
The fourth objective ties everything together by requiring that the combined information be used to develop and deliver data-driven decision support tools. The emphasis on “decision support” and “long-term adaptive management” indicates that the end products are expected to be more than academic findings. The agency is looking for outputs that can guide ongoing management in Glacier National Park (referenced as GNP in the description), specifically for bull trout conservation and the protection of native aquatic biodiversity more broadly. Decision tools in this context typically means structured, model-based resources that help managers evaluate risk, compare scenarios (for example, different suppression intensities or translocation strategies), and update actions as new monitoring data become available. The description also explicitly mentions robust models to predict invasion risk and vulnerability, reinforcing that predictive capability and management applicability are key deliverables.
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity was created on June 22, 2017, with an original closing date of July 7, 2017. The expected number of awards was one, with an award ceiling of $50,000, indicating a relatively focused, single-recipient project rather than a broad multi-award program. Eligibility is listed as “Others,” with details referenced in the opportunity’s additional eligibility information, which is typical for CESU-associated opportunities where eligibility may be limited to participating CESU network institutions or otherwise defined partner categories. Overall, the grant is structured to support targeted applied research that quantifies food web responses to invasion, suppression, and conservation translocation, and then translates those findings into usable predictive and decision-support tools for adaptive management of native fish and lake ecosystems.Apply for G17AS00094
- 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 Ecosystem 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 Jun 22, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 07, 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 $50,000.00 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).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Rocky Mountain CESU opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G17AS00094)?
It is a US Geological Survey (USGS) research funding opportunity administered by the Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, through the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK). The opportunity is associated with the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Rocky Mountain CESU.
Which agency is administering this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is administered by the Department of the Interior, Geological Survey (USGS) through the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK).
What type of award is expected?
The funding is offered as a discretionary cooperative agreement.
What is the program or activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity references CFDA 15.808.
What is the overall purpose of the project?
The purpose is to build a clearer, system-wide understanding of how invasive lake trout alter lake ecosystems, not only by affecting individual native fish species but also by reshaping whole fish communities and the aquatic food webs that support them. The results are intended to feed directly into practical planning tools for managers.
Why does this opportunity focus on food webs rather than just fish presence or abundance?
The opportunity is looking for research that goes beyond basic presence/absence or simple abundance trends. It calls for a quantitative analysis of food web structure and trophic connections to describe how predator-prey relationships, trophic pathways, and energy flow change under different invasion and management conditions.
What does "who eats whom" mean in the context of this project?
It refers to identifying and quantifying trophic relationships within lakes, including predator-prey dynamics and how those relationships shift in invaded and managed systems.
How do invasive lake trout affect lake ecosystems according to the opportunity description?
The description emphasizes that invasive lake trout can function as strong top predators. As a result, they may do more than compete with native fish; they can restructure trophic linkages across multiple levels of the food web and reshape fish communities and aquatic food webs.
How many lakes are included in the study design described?
The project must assess food web changes linked to lake trout invasion across five lakes that represent a gradient of lake trout impacts.
What is meant by a "gradient of lake trout impacts"?
It indicates that the five lakes should represent varying degrees of invasion impact, allowing comparative analysis of how food web structure changes as invasions progress or intensify.
What are the main research objectives required by this opportunity?
The objectives are organized around four connected needs: (1) assess food web changes across five lakes spanning a gradient of lake trout impacts; (2) evaluate food web effects of continued aggressive suppression efforts in Quartz and Logging Lakes; (3) examine food web changes associated with bull trout conservation translocations in Grace Lake; and (4) use the combined information to develop and deliver data-driven decision support tools for long-term adaptive management.
Which lakes are specifically named for continued aggressive suppression efforts?
Quartz Lake and Logging Lake are specifically named as locations where lake trout control measures are already underway and continued aggressive suppression is a focus.
What does the opportunity imply about suppression as a management strategy?
The description frames suppression as a management intervention that can reduce lake trout numbers but may trigger complex ecological responses, including potential rebounds or shifts in native fish, prey communities, and the broader web of interactions.
Which lake is associated with bull trout conservation translocations?
Grace Lake is specifically identified for examining food web changes associated with bull trout conservation translocations.
What is the purpose of including bull trout conservation translocations in the research?
This component is meant to capture how adding or re-establishing native bull trout might influence trophic relationships, community composition, and recovery trajectories in a lake system.
What are "decision support tools" in this opportunity?
Decision support tools are data-driven tools intended to guide ongoing management. The description emphasizes structured, model-based resources that help managers evaluate risk, compare scenarios (such as different suppression intensities or translocation strategies), and update actions as new monitoring data become available.
How are the research results expected to be used by managers?
The results are intended to feed directly into practical planning tools that help managers anticipate where invasions are most likely to cause harm, identify which systems are most vulnerable, and improve mitigation strategies over the long term.
What geographic management context is explicitly referenced?
The opportunity references Glacier National Park (GNP) as the management context where the decision support outputs are expected to guide bull trout conservation and protection of native aquatic biodiversity.
Does the opportunity call for predictive modeling?
Yes. The description explicitly mentions robust models to predict invasion risk and vulnerability and emphasizes predictive capability and management applicability as key deliverables.
What kinds of analyses does the opportunity imply are needed?
It implies data-rich approaches capable of quantitatively describing food web structure, trophic pathways, energy flow, and shifts in predator-prey dynamics across lakes with different invasion intensity and management intervention.
How many awards are expected under this opportunity?
The expected number of awards is one, indicating a single-recipient project rather than a broad multi-award program.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The award ceiling is $50,000.
When was this opportunity created, and what were the key dates listed?
The opportunity was created on June 22, 2017, and the original closing date was July 7, 2017.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as "Others," with additional details referenced in the opportunity's additional eligibility information. This is described as typical for CESU-associated opportunities where eligibility may be limited to participating CESU network institutions or otherwise defined partner categories.
Is this opportunity positioned as basic research or applied research?
It is positioned as targeted applied research. The description stresses that findings should translate into usable predictive and decision-support tools for adaptive management of native fish and lake ecosystems.
What management goals are highlighted for the end products?
Highlighted goals include bull trout conservation, anticipating where invasive lake trout are most likely to cause harm, identifying vulnerable systems, and improving mitigation strategies over the long term.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Implementation of Maurice River Comprehensive Management Plan and C2A “Wild About Cumberland” Program Expansion
Previous opportunity: Coastal hydrographic physical dynamics and oceanography assessments
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for G17AS00094
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (G17AS00094) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU Apply for G17AS00093 Funding Number: G17AS00093 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Fish and Wildlife Coordination and Assistance Apply for F17AS00276 Funding Number: F17AS00276 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $99,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G17AS00080 Funding Number: G17AS00080 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $166,977 |
| CENTER OF EXCELLENCE: Trusted Human-Machine Teaming Apply for FOA AFRL AFOSR 2017 0001 Funding Number: FOA AFRL AFOSR 2017 0001 Agency: Department of Defense, Air Force Office of Scientific Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Theoretical Research in Magnetic Fusion Energy Science Apply for DE FOA 00001757 Funding Number: DE FOA 00001757 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Congaree National Park Historic Resource Study Apply for P17AS00388 Funding Number: P17AS00388 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $76,531 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Colorado Plateau CESU Apply for G17AS00083 Funding Number: G17AS00083 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $49,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G17AS00089 Funding Number: G17AS00089 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $81,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Apply for G17AS00087 Funding Number: G17AS00087 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $425,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Southern Applachian Mountains CESU Apply for G17AS00081 Funding Number: G17AS00081 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $19,494 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Piedmont â¿¿ South Atlantic Coast CESU Apply for G17AS00075 Funding Number: G17AS00075 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $29,100 |
| Catalog and Describe Park Archives in the Southeast Region of the National Park Service Apply for P17AS00432 Funding Number: P17AS00432 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $73,929 |
| Golden Eagle Movement Analysis and Northwest Great Plains Conservation Strategy Apply for F17AS00286 Funding Number: F17AS00286 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $86,099 |
| FY 2018 Research Opportunities in High Energy Physics Apply for DE FOA 0001781 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001781 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $25,000,000 |
| Computer and Network Systems (CNS): Core Programs Apply for 17 570 Funding Number: 17 570 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF): Core Programs Apply for 17 571 Funding Number: 17 571 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS): Core Programs Apply for 17 572 Funding Number: 17 572 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Piedmont South Atlantic Coast CESU Apply for G17AS00107 Funding Number: G17AS00107 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G17AS00110 Funding Number: G17AS00110 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $32,886 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU Apply for G17AS00109 Funding Number: G17AS00109 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $18,977 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "G17AS00094", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.