Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU | G20AS00043

Opportunity Information: Apply for G20AS00043

This grant opportunity, offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through its Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NoROCK), supports a research project focused on how mineral licks influence the behavior of deer and elk and what that means for the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The central idea is that mineral licks, especially artificial ones placed for wildlife or livestock, can draw animals into repeated close contact at the same location. Because CWD can be transmitted through animal-to-animal contact and contaminated environments, these high-use congregation sites may play an important role in maintaining or accelerating disease transmission. The work is intended to produce practical information that improves understanding of CWD dynamics and informs management options that could reduce risk.

The project is based in Wyoming, specifically within the CWD core-endemic area where the disease is well established. A key component is partnering with private landowners, since many mineral lick sites are on working lands and access is necessary to monitor sites and test potential interventions. The selected cooperator will recruit and coordinate with landowners who are willing to participate, helping ensure a study design that reflects real-world conditions where deer, elk, and cattle may all interact with the same attractants.

Field methods will rely on a combination of camera traps and GPS collar data to quantify when and how deer and elk use mineral lick sites and how those sites affect animal aggregation patterns. Camera traps provide direct evidence of visitation rates, timing, group size, species composition, and behavior at licks, while GPS collar data can show broader movement patterns, frequency of return visits, and how long individuals remain in the area. In addition to wildlife use, the study also considers cattle interactions with mineral licks, which matters both because cattle may alter site conditions and because livestock management practices often drive where mineral attractants are placed and maintained.

An applied management angle is built into the study through evaluation of wildlife excluder devices and related treatment approaches at mineral lick sites. These devices are intended to limit access by deer and elk (or otherwise reduce congregation) while still allowing landowners to use mineral supplementation for livestock. By comparing sites with and without excluders, and tracking changes in visitation and aggregation, the study aims to determine whether such interventions could reduce opportunities for CWD transmission without creating undue burden for landowners.

The first year is structured as a planning and pilot phase. During this period, the cooperator will define the study region, identify and enroll willing landowners, and begin pilot data collection to test and refine protocols. The cooperator will also develop a database to organize and manage the incoming camera and GPS datasets, and will conduct an initial inventory to identify mineral lick sites and potential locations for future experimental treatments. This setup year is meant to ensure that subsequent monitoring and treatment comparisons are well designed, logistically feasible, and scientifically defensible.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 15.808 by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. The opportunity number is G20AS00043. USGS anticipated making one award, with an award ceiling of $45,676. The notice was created on March 19, 2020, with an original application closing date of April 3, 2020. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with further clarification expected in the opportunity’s eligibility details, which is typical for CESU opportunities that often target specific partner types within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit network.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. 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 Mar 19, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 03, 2020. (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 $45,676.00 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 G20AS00043

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