Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center is seeking a cooperative agreement with a participating partner of the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to support research that advances remote sensing for southwestern dryland ecosystems. The work focuses on developing and applying remote sensing approaches, including drones, satellites, ground-based methods, and AI or machine learning, to improve understanding and management of biological soil crust communities and other dryland resources. It emphasizes tools suited to arid and semiarid systems and information that can help predict biocrust abundance, rangeland productivity, exotic grass invasion, fire regimes, dust production, and restoration priorities. Proposal materials for senior or key personnel include standardized biographical sketch and current-and-pending-support disclosures, along with the project abstract and geospatial data instructions. One award is expected with up to $499,550 available, applications are due June 14, 2026, and electronically submitted applications must be received by 11:59 PM ET; the contact is Rachel Miller at rachelmiller@usgs.gov.
Eligible Applicants
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 Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.