Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partner to assist with native mussel restoration efforts at the Indiana Dunes National Park. The proposed work will address ongoing native mussel restoration within the watersheds of the park, focusing on four restoration core needs: detection, habitat, biology/disease, and reintroduction. The project aims to develop and optimize scientific practices to improve propagation and reintroduction of native species in the Great Lakes Basin. • The project will focus on developing methods to scale up production of juvenile mussels by improving survival during the initial transformation phase. • The project will explore the possibility of extending the work to other parks in the Midwest. • The USGS will provide funding for the project, with an estimated total of $364,542 over five years. • The applicant should submit a proposal that includes a cover page, proposal text, budget narrative, and other supporting documents.