OpportunityTitle: The role of Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) genetics in current private, state, non-profit, and federal management efforts
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This is a notice of intent to award this agreement to North Dakota State University under the Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit.
Description: This synopsis is the full announcement. The purpose of this agreement is for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to work cooperatively with North Dakota State University (recipient) to better understand the genetic characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass invasion, the biotic and abiotic influences of different management strategies aimed and reducing Kentucky bluegrass, and to identify techniques for reducing Kentucky bluegrass invasion on native prairies. Kentucky bluegrass is a non-native perennial grass that has invaded most of the Service&#239;&#191;&#189;s managed prairies. Along with other invasive plants, bluegrass has transformed grasslands in North Dakota from a heterogeneous composition to a more homogeneous composition, which based on most accounts is not optimal for grassland obligate wildlife. Unlike other invasive plants in North Dakota, limited information exists on Kentucky bluegrass genetic characteristics and how contemporary management influences plant community and Kentucky bluegrass response. The tasks to be performed under this agreement are as follows: Under this agreement the Service intends to work with the North Dakota State University in a mutual endeavor to identify genetic characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass invasions and identify effective management for reducing invasion and increasing native plant diversity. Objectives for this proposed project include the following (See attached Descriptions and Budgets for three projects*): 1. Establish a project with Dr. Steve Travers to analyze the genetic characteristics of Kentucky bluegrass populations in North Dakota. 2. Establish a project with Dr. Shawn Dekeyser to evaluate management efforts towards maintaining site and landscape level diversity, as well as the effects of management on Kentucky bluegrass in North Dakota. 3. Establish a project with Dr. Amy Ganguli to evaluate the influence management efforts have on abiotic factors associated with Kentucky bluegrass invasion and improve efficacy of fire prescriptions aimed at reducing Kentucky bluegrass.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: E-Mail
GrantorContactText: Andrea Meyer &lt;br/&gt;Grant Management Specialist &lt;br/&gt;Phone 303-236-5412