CESU Study of Climate Induced Patterns -Juniper Die-Off at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

This project will provide insights into the changing landscape and vegetation of the KKTR, which happens to be located at the forefront of the Southwestern tree die-off epidemic of the past 15 years. The dramatic changes in vegetation have consequences not only for the environmental state of the Monument, but also the view-scape provided by the vast woodlands and forests that surround the geological formations that helped the KKTR become a National Monument. Other benefits to the public come from the nearly ubiquitous cover of juniper on the landscape ��� and this project will be the first project to specifically focus on juniper mortality, which given current climate projections will likely continue.

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. CESUs are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Under a CESU agreement recipient indirect costs are limited to a rate of no more than 17.5% of direct costs under the terms and conditions of the Great Basin Master CESU agreement. Although this announcement is for full and open competition the Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office intends to award to Desert Research Institute. The funding was provided by the National Conservation Lands Research Support Program and has designated the amount and participants.

Janet Huff, Grants Management Specialist, 505-761-8941 jhuff@blm.gov