Administrative Support for the Upper Columbia Basin I&M Program

Project ID: P22AC02100

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Idaho

Fiscal Year: 2022

Initial Funding: $52,503

Total Funding: $91,761

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Upper Columbia Network Inventory & Monitoring

Principal Investigator: Aycrigg, Jocelyn

Agreement Technical Representative: Dicus, Gordon

Abstract: For the past two decades, the University of Idaho (UI) has provided administrative support for the Upper Columbia Basin Network (UCBN) of the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring Program. This support has involved office space, information technology support, library services, and project staff including principal investigators and students. The presences of an NPS office located centrally to the nine UCBN park units (located in Idaho, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and southwest Montana) has facilitated efficient UCBN – UI partnership efforts complimenting the long-term goals of the UCBN’s natural resource monitoring projects.

This partnership has enabled student exposure to NPS natural resource management projects, and furthered student skills in technical aspects of field methods, data management, and results reporting.
The NPS and UI desire to continue this partnership to support technical assistance for research and long-term monitoring projects. Taking a phased approach, UCBN staff will meet each year with the UI Principal Investigator to review accomplishments and establish plans for future collaboration. Based on acceptable accomplishments and availability of funding, continuation of this partnership and this agreement may be modified on an annual basis.