Managing Biodiversity along Transition Zones in Joshua Tree National Park

The National Park Service intends to award a cooperative agreement to the Regents of the University of California, Riverside, for a project titled "Managing Biodiversity along Transition Zones in Joshua Tree National Park." The project aims to provide an understanding of the iconic Joshua tree within Joshua Tree National Park and to inform land managers and regulators about the vulnerability of species to environmental change. The project will involve long-term monitoring of Joshua trees, desert vegetation, and reptiles, as well as the development of a citizen science environmental change monitoring program. The recipient will be responsible for assisting the NPS in the development of long-term monitoring protocols, implementing a Citizen Science strategy, and analyzing data to understand demographic trends for key species. • The project will provide an understanding of the relative importance of the effects of environmental change on individual species and community dynamics. • The project will inform land managers and regulators about the vulnerability of species to environmental change and possible adaptation strategies. • The project will involve the development of a citizen science environmental change monitoring program. • The project will involve the analysis of data to understand demographic trends for key species. • The project will provide annual briefing statements outlining findings and recommendations to inform fire management, invasive plant control, and similar habitat restoration work.