Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to analyze, synthesize, and interpret the latest aquatic monitoring data to quantify management-related changes in in-stream and upslope indicators of instream and watershed condition within the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) area. This project will use the best available science and reproducible analytical methods to evaluate long-term trends, identify ecological thresholds, and support adaptive management.

Project activities will be conducted in collaboration with interagency Northwest Forest Plan partners and be focused on long-term monitoring data collected and curated by the NWFP's Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP). The project will build on the foundation of data and analytical methods developed in the interagency 25-year report on watershed condition status and trends.

The proposed work will provide critical information about recreational opportunities, water quality, expanded hunting and fishing access, and help support goals in the following:

DOI Secretarial Order 3435 - Implementation of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (June 25, 2025)

DOI Secretarial Order 3442 - Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation by the U.S. Department of the Interior (September 4, 2025)

DOI Secretarial Order 3447 - Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026)

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESU"s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.

RACHEL MILLER