OpportunityTitle: Evaluation and Ecological Assessment of riparian Forest at Knife River Indian Villages NHS
CategoryExplanation: Biological/Research
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This is a single source award to University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.  The PI&apos;s prior experience and research expertise make the Cooperator uniquely qualified to carry out the terms of this agreement in a cost-effective manner.  The Cooperator will benefit from the funding for a graduate student to conduct (1) a  literature review of ecology of Missouri River bootomland forests, (2) a vegetation survey, (3) a comparative analysis of vegetation change, and (4) synthesize results into a Final Report.  This funding will provide support that aids in a student&apos;s professional development including: developing field ecological skills, providing experience in research within the unique setting of a NP/NHS, developing environmental assessment and sythesis skills, and providing job experience valued in future employment.
Description: The purpose of this project is to complete an assessment of the current forest condition within the sylvan tracts of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site (KNRI), replicating and comparing results from vegetative survey and assessment conducted 25 years ago. The assessment will allow park management to determine the current health conditions (believed to be rapidly failing due to changed flooding regimes related to the proximity of the dammed Missouri River) and make future decisions for restoration. The study will also identify various management issues that have affected current forest conditions including invasive species, deer browsing, hazardous tree conditions, cultural resource concerns, hydrologic regime changes, and the presence of pathogenic fungus and insects.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Help Desk
GrantorContactText: Tonya Bradley &lt;br/&gt;Contract Specialist &lt;br/&gt;Phone 402-661-1656