Notice of Intent: Models and Data for Predicting the Abundance of Moose and Elk on the Summer Range in Rocky Mountain National Park | P17AS00440

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this grant opportunity?

The Notice of Intent is titled "Models and Data for Predicting the Abundance of Moose and Elk on the Summer Range in Rocky Mountain National Park."

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS).

What is the main goal of the project?

The main aim is to produce practical tools, datasets, and analytical methods that help Rocky Mountain National Park better understand and manage elk and moose populations during the summer range period, with particular attention to the riparian habitats these animals rely on.

What does it mean that this is a "cooperative agreement"?

The opportunity is framed as cooperative research. That means the work is intended to be conducted in partnership with external researchers while directly supporting on-the-ground park management needs, rather than being purely independent research.

Where will the work be focused geographically?

The work is focused on Rocky Mountain National Park, specifically on summer range conditions for elk and moose and the riparian habitats associated with their use.

Why is the summer range period important in this project?

The project is designed to improve understanding of how many elk and moose are present during summer, where they concentrate, and what that implies for grazing and browsing pressure, habitat impacts, and management goals tied to ecosystem condition.

What are the main technical components or pillars of the project?

Based on the notice description, the project emphasizes: improving elk population estimation and prediction on the summer range; developing sampling procedures and data models for aerial infrared surveys for elk and moose; using GPS collar data to answer moose residency and seasonal-use questions; estimating moose survival probabilities using GPS collar data; and developing GIS-based estimates of moose habitat carrying capacity.

Is the project starting new models from scratch?

No. A central theme is building on existing foundations, including prior elk population modeling efforts, census data, and information from collared animals.

What is the focus for elk work under this opportunity?

A central focus is improving population estimation and prediction for elk on the park's summer range, including better estimates of how many elk are present in summer and where they concentrate.

What kinds of existing data are mentioned for elk analysis?

The notice references prior elk population modeling efforts, census data, and information from collared animals as foundations to build on.

Why does the opportunity emphasize riparian habitats?

The opportunity highlights riparian habitats because elk and moose rely on them during the summer range period, and understanding animal distribution and abundance helps managers assess habitat impacts and prioritize riparian protection and restoration.

What are aerial infrared surveys expected to contribute?

Aerial infrared methods can help detect animals under certain field conditions. The opportunity emphasizes designing careful survey protocols and analytical approaches that convert detections into credible population estimates.

Does the opportunity focus only on collecting aerial infrared imagery?

No. It specifically emphasizes not just collecting imagery, but also creating repeatable procedures and modeling frameworks that can be applied over time to produce consistent, defensible estimates and trends.

Which species are included in the aerial infrared survey component?

The aerial infrared sampling procedures and data models are described as supporting surveys for both elk and moose.

How is GPS collar data used for moose in this project?

GPS collar data are a key source of ecological insight for moose. The notice describes using location information from GPS-collared moose to clarify whether the park hosts a resident population, a transient population, or some combination, and to identify periods of especially high use within the park.

What kinds of moose population questions is the GPS collar work intended to answer?

The GPS collar work is expected to clarify residency versus transience (or a mix), identify periods of high park use, and support survival probability estimation.

What does the notice mean by identifying "periods of especially high use" for moose?

It refers to using GPS data to pinpoint times when moose use the park most intensively, which can help managers understand seasonal patterns, habitat dependencies, and potential vulnerability windows tied to factors like weather, forage availability, human activity, or habitat conditions.

Is moose survival estimation part of the project?

Yes. The project calls for using GPS collar data to estimate moose survival probabilities, described as a core demographic measure needed for population assessment.

Why is survival estimation important for moose management in the park?

Survival estimates can feed into broader population models, help interpret changes in abundance, and inform whether management attention should prioritize factors such as habitat quality, disease, predation, human disturbance, or other stressors that may influence survival rates.

What is meant by GIS-based habitat carrying capacity estimates for moose?

It means using spatial data and habitat variables to estimate how many moose the landscape can support under given conditions, how that capacity varies across the park, and how it may change over time, with map-based outputs intended to be practical for planning and communication.

How does carrying capacity analysis fit with the other project elements?

The notice describes carrying capacity analysis as complementary to movement, survival, and survey-derived abundance estimates. Together, these components can help frame population objectives in a habitat context and support decisions related to riparian protection and restoration priorities.

Does the opportunity mention any broader public-benefit purpose?

Yes. It states that generating new natural resource knowledge through external researchers is intended to contribute to the broader scientific community, strengthen environmental stewardship with university partners, and inform park programs for the public.

Are results expected to be used in communication to the public?

Yes. The notice indicates the results are intended to be used in science communication materials, meaning outputs should be translated into accessible products that help visitors and stakeholders understand elk and moose ecology, population dynamics, and the importance of riparian habitats.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this notice?

The Funding Opportunity Number is P17AS00440.

What CFDA category is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under Natural Resources (CFDA 15.945).

How many awards are expected under this opportunity?

The posting indicates an expected single award.

What is the award ceiling?

The posting lists an award ceiling of $1.

Who is eligible to apply?

The posting lists eligible applicants as "Others," with additional eligibility details referenced externally.

Does the notice indicate a particular partner or institution involved?

Yes. It notes that the modeling and data analysis component is intended to support knowledge and skill development among partners at Colorado State University.

When was the notice created and what was the original closing date?

The notice was created on June 27, 2017, and had an original closing date of July 7, 2017.

Does the timing suggest anything about the nature of the opportunity?

The description suggests it may have been targeted or time-sensitive, consistent with cooperative research arrangements that formalize collaboration with a specific partner or a small set of specialized collaborators.