Project Highlight: Pygmy Rabbits in Idaho – Using Genetic Analyses to Estimate Occupancy

Led by the University of Idaho in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this project uses genetic tools and large-scale field surveys to understand pygmy rabbit distribution across Idaho and Montana. With over 100 biologists involved, findings are informing habitat management and climate resilience planning for this elusive sagebrush steppe species.

October 2, 2025

Project Highlight: Balancing Fuels Reduction and Wildlife Conservation – Monitoring of Fisher and NSO Response to Fuels Management in Northern California Forests

Led by Oregon State University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this long-term research examines how fuels reduction treatments affect sensitive species like the Pacific fisher and Northern Spotted Owl. Drawing on two decades of monitoring in the Klamath-Siskiyou region, the project demonstrates how federal, private, and tribal partners are balancing wildfire resilience with wildlife conservation.

September 5, 2025

NPS AmeriCorps Internship: Biology Assistant in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

PURPOSE This Biology Assistant is an AmeriCorps position. SIP participants on this project will collect and analyze data on the status and trends of plant communities within National Park Service units across the Pacific Islands. They will assist with improving data quality and developing efficiencies in data management steps and ultimately contribute to science communication…

July 2, 2025

Department of the Navy Funding Opportunity: BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF CYCAD SCALE, AULACASPIS YASUMATSUI, ON CYCAS MICRONESICA

Request for Statements of Interest/Request for Proposals: Biological Control of Cycad Scale, Aulacaspis Yasumatsui, on Cycas Micronesia [N40192-25-2-8012] Amount: Not to exceed $251,353.56 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: The Department of the Navy (DON) intends to use fiscal year 2025 funds for this project. In order to be considered, Statements of Interest shall…

July 1, 2025

USACE Funding Opportunity: Management Species – Sea Turtle Nesting Surveys, Wake Island Airfield

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST (W9126G-25-2-SOI-5805) for Management Species – Sea Turtle Nesting Surveys, Wake Island Airfield Applicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions: Pacific Northwest, Hawaii-Pacific Islands, and Californian Regions. Approximately $271,430.00 is expected to be available to support this project for the Base Period. Additional…

USACE Funding Opportunity: Management of Invasive Species – Biosecurity Wake Island Airfield

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF INTEREST (W9126G-25-2-SOI-4998) for Management of Invasive Species – Biosecurity Wake Island AirfieldApplicants must be a member in one of the following Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Regions: Pacific Northwest, Hawaii-Pacific Islands, and Californian Regions Approximately $230,402.00 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. Additional funding may…

May 28, 2025

Project Highlight: Digital Asset Management and Community Engagement to Enhance Understanding of Park Resources

This project spotlights a collaboration between the National Park Service and Washington State University to build a digital infrastructure for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Through virtual tours, oral histories, and student-driven story maps, the effort broadens access to underrepresented histories and physically restricted sites—a strong example of what CESU partnerships make possible.

May 15, 2025

Project Highlight: Underground Cultural Landscape Report and Monitoring Plan

Led by researchers at the University of Oregon in partnership with the National Park Service, this study documents and proposes management strategies for the underground cultural landscape of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The work integrates historical preservation, accessibility planning, and environmental stewardship within a uniquely complex subterranean setting.

May 13, 2025

Project Highlight: Comparison of Wolf Densities and Diets Across the Prince of Wales Island Complex

Researchers from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Oregon State University are using genetic techniques, non-invasive sampling, and scent detection dogs to study how coastal wolves adapt to shifting prey availability—including reliance on marine mammals. The project is also improving population estimates across remote island landscapes.

April 16, 2025

Project Highlight: Western Snowy Plover Nest Monitoring and Protection

This article highlights the decades-long effort to recover the western snowy plover along Oregon’s coast. Through predator control, invasive species management, and flexible stewardship strategies, ongoing coordination has helped snowy plovers make a remarkable comeback—while underscoring the continued need for conservation along the West Coast.