Models and Data for Predicting the Abundance of Moose and Elk on the Summer Range in Rocky Mountain National Park | P18AS00339

Opportunity Information: Apply for P18AS00339

The grant opportunity titled "Models and Data for Predicting the Abundance of Moose and Elk on the Summer Range in Rocky Mountain National Park" is a Department of the Interior, National Park Service cooperative agreement focused on improving how Rocky Mountain National Park understands and manages elk and moose during the summer season, especially in relation to the riparian habitats these animals depend on. The work is designed to produce practical tools, updated population estimates, and defensible modeling approaches that park managers can use to make better decisions about wildlife population management and habitat stewardship. A key theme of the project is combining existing monitoring efforts with new data collection and analytical methods to reduce uncertainty about where animals are, how many there are, and how their habitat use changes over time.

The project scope is organized around several interconnected research tasks. First, it builds directly on existing elk population modeling, along with prior census data and information from collared individuals, to generate improved estimates of elk abundance on the park's summer range. Second, it aims to develop and refine sampling procedures and data models that support aerial infrared surveys for both elk and moose, which is important because infrared methods can expand survey capability and potentially improve detection under certain field conditions. Third, it includes collecting and analyzing location data from GPS-collared moose to clarify basic population characteristics, including whether the park hosts a primarily resident moose population or a transient one that moves in and out, and to identify periods and places of concentrated use (for example, seasonal hotspots or time windows when certain valleys or riparian corridors see heavier moose presence). Fourth, the GPS data will be used to estimate moose survival probabilities, which can help identify whether mortality risk is stable, increasing, or concentrated in particular seasons or areas. Fifth, the project will develop GIS-based estimates of habitat carrying capacity for moose, translating habitat conditions and spatial data into an estimate of how many moose the available summer habitat can likely support, which is especially relevant for riparian areas that can be sensitive to browsing pressure and other ecological impacts.

Beyond the immediate management utility for Rocky Mountain National Park, the opportunity emphasizes public-purpose outcomes and broader scientific value. The National Park Service frames the research as generating new natural resource knowledge produced by external researchers, with results intended to benefit the broader scientific community as well as park operations. The work is also meant to strengthen collaboration and shared stewardship between the park and academic partners, including engaging university faculty and supporting skill and capacity development at Colorado State University. The findings are expected to inform park programs and be incorporated into science communication materials for public audiences, meaning the outputs are not limited to technical reports but are also intended to support interpretation and public understanding of wildlife ecology and management in the park.

Administratively, this opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number P18AS00339, categorized as a discretionary award and funded through a cooperative agreement mechanism under CFDA 15.945. The notice indicates an intent to award to Colorado State University under an existing master agreement (P17AC00971), and it is explicitly not a request for applications, meaning it is not an open competitive solicitation. The opportunity anticipated a single award with an award ceiling of $34,000, and the record lists a creation date of June 18, 2018. Eligible applicants are listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility clarification referenced in the original notice, but the stated intent to award makes clear the intended recipient for this specific action.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Models and Data for Predicting the Abundance of Moose and Elk on the Summer Range in Rocky Mountain National Park" 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 Jun 18, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Notice of Intent to Award to Colorado State University Under Master Agreement P17AC00971 not a request for applications. (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 $34,000.00 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 P18AS00339

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