Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

This opportunity is for a cooperative agreement with the Alaska Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to conduct research on the impact of spruce beetle disturbances on the establishment and spread of invasive European bird cherry in Alaska's boreal forests. The project aims to investigate how changing temperatures, drought, and other weather events alter the interaction between disturbance and invasion in boreal forest ecosystems. The expected outcomes will inform management decisions made by partners, including the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, to control invasive species and promote forest recovery after disturbances. Key tasks include assessing how invasion by bird cherry alters soil microbial communities, evaluating whether these alterations persist following removal, and assessing whether potential legacy effects reduce the establishment and vigor of native vegetation. • Assess the impact of spruce beetle disturbances on the establishment and spread of invasive European bird cherry in Alaska's boreal forests • Investigate how changing temperatures, drought, and other weather events alter the interaction between disturbance and invasion in boreal forest ecosystems • Inform management decisions made by partners to control invasive species and promote forest recovery after disturbances • Evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies in controlling invasive species and promoting forest recovery