Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

This cooperative agreement funds a two‑year research project to assess the resilience of Emory oak woodlands in the Colorado Plateau to drought, wildfire, and the invasive fungal pathogen charcoal canker. The awardee, a partner of the Colorado Plateau CESU, will analyze data from 100 long‑term monitoring sites across Arizona, develop spatial models that predict oak mortality under future climate scenarios, and produce actionable maps for land managers. The work supports multiple Executive Orders related to energy, timber, water security, and wildfire preparedness, and aligns with Department of the Interior priorities for natural‑resource stewardship. Deliverables include scientific reports, GIS data products, and outreach to tribal and wildlife stakeholders. • 2‑year cooperative agreement, total funding $360,000 • Research focus: hydrology, geology, geospatial analysis, biosecurity, fire behavior • Data collection from 100 long‑term Emory oak sites in Arizona • Spatial modeling to map pathogen‑drought interactions and fire risk • Deliverables: technical reports, GIS layers, data management plan, publications • Required annual and final financial reports, data sharing per USGS policy • Eligible only to existing Colorado Plateau CESU partners