Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks a Pacific Northwest CESU‑affiliated partner to lead a three‑year cooperative agreement focused on chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in the northeastern and western United States. The award provides up to $200,000 to develop, refine, and disseminate decision‑support tools that model disease introduction, spread, and management strategies (e.g., surveillance, hunter outreach, carcass disposal, culling). The work will involve close collaboration with state wildlife agencies, creation of quantitative models, testing of communication strategies, and delivery of data products and reports. Deliverables include model code, data sets, annual progress reports, a final technical report, and public‑facing dissemination materials. The effort aligns with multiple Executive Orders on wildlife disease preparedness, park recreation, and scientific integrity.
• Funding: $200,000 total, 3‑year budget period
• Eligible applicants: Only partners that are already part of the Pacific Northwest CESU network
• Primary tasks: develop quantitative CWD spread models, evaluate management scenarios, test outreach/communication tactics, produce decision‑support tools, share results with agencies and the public
• Required deliverables: model documentation, data management plan, annual progress reports, final technical and financial reports, publications, and GIS data in open formats
• Reporting: annual technical/financial reports via GrantSolutions; final report due 120 days after project end
• Compliance: follow USGS Fundamental Science Practices, Geospatial Data Act, and DOI grant terms.