Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00299
This funding opportunity, titled "Resilient Landscapes: Forest thinning and fire impacts on wildlife-habitat interactions, Phase I: Restoration effects on non-native invasive plant species" (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00299), is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement focused on natural resources research tied to forest restoration treatments. The work continues an existing project examining non-native invasive plants in areas that have been mechanically thinned and/or affected by prescribed fire or wildfire, with the added goal of expanding the ecological picture by incorporating ants as a key part of the invasive plant story. The core idea is that restoration actions like thinning and burning can shift habitat conditions in ways that influence which plant species establish and spread, and those plant responses can be shaped by animal interactions that are easy to overlook if the project only measures vegetation.
A central addition in this phase is an analysis of ant assemblages across the same treated landscapes. Ants are highlighted because they play multiple roles that directly affect plant communities, including dispersing seeds, consuming seeds, and influencing which seeds survive long enough to germinate. Since ants interact with both native and non-native plants, changes in ant community composition, abundance, and colony structure can help explain why invasive plants may increase or decline following restoration treatments. By documenting which ant species are present, and how their populations differ across sites influenced by thinning and fire, the project aims to strengthen understanding of invasive plant ecology in a real management context relevant to the National Park Service.
The sampling workflow is collaborative. NPS entomologists collect ant specimens in the project areas and sort them in the laboratory. After sorting, the ant samples are shipped to Texas Tech University (TTU), where ant specialists identify the specimens. The data to be recorded are clearly defined and include ant species identifications, the associated site and trap number for each sample, the collection date, and counts of individuals by caste (such as workers, soldiers, queens, and other relevant forms depending on the species). Recording caste structure is important because it can provide insight beyond simple presence/absence, helping infer colony dynamics and reproductive potential, which may be linked to how strongly ants influence seed fate and, ultimately, plant community outcomes.
Deliverables emphasize practical outputs for NPS decision-making and long-term scientific value. The project will produce datasets and analytical reporting on the ant fauna in the treated landscapes, and results will be incorporated into annual and final reports submitted to the National Park Service. In addition, the project will generate a voucher reference collection representing all ant species documented. This type of curated reference set supports quality control for identifications, enables future re-checking of species determinations as taxonomy changes, and provides a permanent record of the community present during the study period.
Administratively, the opportunity is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism, reflecting substantial involvement and collaboration between NPS and the research partner rather than a simple pass-through grant. The eligible applicants are public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, aligning with the role TTU is already playing in the ongoing invasive plant work. The award ceiling is $31,974, with one expected award. The opportunity was created May 25, 2017, with an original closing date of June 3, 2017, and is associated with CFDA number 15.945 under the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Overall, the scope is narrowly targeted: extend an existing invasive plant study in thinned and burned areas by adding rigorous ant community identification and reporting, creating a stronger basis for interpreting how restoration treatments ripple through wildlife-habitat interactions that can either hinder or facilitate non-native plant invasion.Apply for P17AS00299
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Resilient Landscapes: Forest thinning and fire impacts on wildlife-habitat interactions, Phase I: Restoration effects on non-native invasive plant species." and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 25, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 03, 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 $31,974.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Resilient Landscapes: Forest thinning and fire impacts on wildlife-habitat interactions, Phase I: Restoration effects on non-native invasive plant species."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is P17AS00299.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS).
What type of award is being offered?
The opportunity is a discretionary award made using a cooperative agreement mechanism.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
Based on the opportunity description, a cooperative agreement reflects substantial involvement and collaboration between the National Park Service and the research partner, rather than a simple pass-through grant.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 15.945.
What is the main purpose of the project described in this opportunity?
The project supports natural resources research tied to forest restoration treatments. It continues an existing project examining non-native invasive plants in areas that have been mechanically thinned and/or affected by prescribed fire or wildfire, and expands the ecological picture by incorporating ants as a key factor influencing invasive plant dynamics.
What restoration treatments are included in the study areas?
The described study areas include landscapes that have been mechanically thinned and/or affected by fire, including prescribed fire or wildfire.
Why are ants being added to this phase of the project?
Ants are being incorporated because they can shape plant communities through seed dispersal, seed consumption, and influences on seed survival and germination. Since ants interact with both native and non-native plants, documenting ant assemblages may help explain why invasive plants increase or decline following thinning and burning treatments.
What is meant by "ant assemblages" in the project description?
In this context, ant assemblages refers to the ant community present across the treated landscapes, including which ant species occur at different sites and how their abundance and population structure vary across treatment conditions.
What specific ant-related data will be recorded?
The opportunity specifies that the project will record ant species identifications, the associated site and trap number for each sample, the collection date, and counts of individuals by caste (for example, workers, soldiers, queens, and other relevant forms depending on the species).
Why does the project record counts of individuals by caste?
Counting individuals by caste provides information beyond presence/absence. The opportunity notes that caste structure can help infer colony dynamics and reproductive potential, which may relate to how strongly ants influence seed fate and, ultimately, plant community outcomes.
Who is responsible for collecting and sorting ant specimens?
NPS entomologists collect ant specimens in the project areas and sort them in the laboratory.
Who identifies the ant specimens?
After NPS sorting, ant samples are shipped to Texas Tech University (TTU), where ant specialists identify the specimens.
How does this ant work connect to the invasive plant research?
The opportunity frames ants as a key part of the invasive plant story because restoration actions like thinning and burning can shift habitat conditions, influencing which plant species establish and spread. Ant-plant interactions can then shape seed fate, potentially affecting whether non-native invasive plants expand or decline after treatment.
What are the expected deliverables?
Deliverables include datasets and analytical reporting on the ant fauna in treated landscapes, with results incorporated into annual and final reports submitted to the National Park Service. The project will also generate a voucher reference collection representing all documented ant species.
What is a voucher reference collection in this project?
A voucher reference collection is a curated set of specimens representing all ant species documented during the study. The opportunity notes it supports quality control for identifications, enables future re-checking as taxonomy changes, and serves as a permanent record of the ant community during the study period.
How will results be communicated to the National Park Service?
The opportunity states that results will be incorporated into annual reports and a final report submitted to the National Park Service.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
How many awards are expected?
One award is expected.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The award ceiling is $31,974.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on May 25, 2017.
What was the original closing date for the opportunity?
The original closing date was June 3, 2017.
Is this opportunity described as part of an existing project?
Yes. The opportunity states that the work continues an existing project examining non-native invasive plants in treated areas, and this phase extends that work by adding ant community analysis.
What is the overall scope of the work?
The scope is described as narrowly targeted: extend an existing invasive plant study in thinned and burned areas by adding rigorous ant community identification and reporting, strengthening interpretation of how restoration treatments influence wildlife-habitat interactions that may hinder or facilitate non-native plant invasion.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Development of Transformational Separation and Extraction Processes for Production of Rare Earth Element Materials from Domestic U.S.Coal and Coal By-Products
Previous opportunity: Multiple Properties Documentation Form of Grand Canyon as a Traditional Cultural Property
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 P17AS00299
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P17AS00299) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| NAVA FY17 YCC Summer Project Apply for P17AS00301 Funding Number: P17AS00301 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $27,400 |
| BLM-CO Native Plant Material Collection, Management, and Conservation Project Apply for L17AS00114 Funding Number: L17AS00114 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BLM Utah Raptor Nest Inventory and Monitoring Apply for L17AS00127 Funding Number: L17AS00127 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| BLM-WY, Cultural Resources Inventorying Project Apply for L17AS00128 Funding Number: L17AS00128 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| BLM-WY, Air Quality Assessment and Outreach Program Apply for L17AS00130 Funding Number: L17AS00130 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $120,000 |
| BLM-WY Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Program Apply for L17AS00129 Funding Number: L17AS00129 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $128,000 |
| Assessment of Threatened Cave Bat Populations at Cumberland Gap NHP Apply for P17AS00319 Funding Number: P17AS00319 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $78,500 |
| BLM-CO White River Field Office Restoration and Monitoring Project Apply for L17AS00133 Funding Number: L17AS00133 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| NOTICE OF INTENT: Carlsbad Caverns Digital Documentation Apply for P17AS00338 Funding Number: P17AS00338 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Analyzing Impacts to Archeological Resources in High Visitor Use Corridors Apply for P17AS00329 Funding Number: P17AS00329 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $29,135 |
| Notice of Intent: Carlsbad Caverns Underground CLI Apply for P17AS00339 Funding Number: P17AS00339 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| SCC Youth Crews for Trail Maintenance Apply for P17AS00309 Funding Number: P17AS00309 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $97,500 |
| BLM OR/WA, Oregon Aerial Imagery Apply for L17AS00095 Funding Number: L17AS00095 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Water Quality Monitoring Apply for P17AS00313 Funding Number: P17AS00313 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $32,000 |
| BLM Idaho Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey History Project Apply for L17AS00131 Funding Number: L17AS00131 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| LiDAR-based Resource Management for National Park Service sites within the Southeast Coastal Network Apply for NPS NOI 17 CESU 20125652 Funding Number: NPS NOI 17 CESU 20125652 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecocystem Studies Units Apply for F17AS00216 Funding Number: F17AS00216 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Contra Loma Boat Launch Apply for BOR MP 17 N017 Funding Number: BOR MP 17 N017 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $245,000 |
| BLM-CO Watershed Support Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Characterization Apply for L17AS00135 Funding Number: L17AS00135 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Water is our common language: spring conservation and community engagement in US-Mexico sister parks Apply for P17AS00328 Funding Number: P17AS00328 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $33,898 |
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 "P17AS00299", 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.