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

This cooperative agreement funds a two‑year research effort to develop a regional database and predictive maps for invasive climbing vines in the southeastern United States and U.S. Caribbean. The partner will collect species‑status data, trait information, and recent disturbance locations, synthesize management strategies, and produce GIS‑based risk maps for resource managers. The effort supports multiple Executive Orders related to climate adaptation, natural resource stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. <br/>• Build and maintain a searchable database of invasive vine species, traits, and disturbance history.<br/>• Produce GIS maps forecasting future spread under various climate scenarios.<br/>• Deliver technical reports, data sets, and peer‑reviewed publications.<br/>• Engage with federal, state, and local managers to translate findings into actionable management plans.<br/>• Required deliverables include annual progress reports, a final technical report, and annual financial reports.