Geological Survey

Description

The USGS Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research investigating adaptive traits across native plant populations in support of native plant materials development. Demand for native seed is increasing in the southwestern United States (US) where issues like wildfire, overgrazing, mining, and energy development threaten native plant communities and necessitate restoration. However, very little research exists in regard to local adaptation and climate resiliency of common restoration plants across the Southwest. This kind of research is imperative for informing land management practices. As such, the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a major stakeholder in restoration efforts in the southwestern US, has initiated collaborations that work to improve the supply and diversity of native plant materials across Arizona and New Mexico according to the BLM¿s National Seed Strategy. Common activities include developing target species lists, collecting wild seeds, and partnering with farmers to increase seed resources. Due to the complexity of restoring degraded lands across the Southwest, SBSC and the New Mexico BLM have adopted a strategy that capitalizes on interagency collaboration for increasing the availability of geographically appropriate native seeds for restoration, emergency stabilization, and rehabilitation efforts.

Who can apply

• Others

Contact

Faith Graves 703-648-7356 <br/>fgraves@usgs.gov
fgraves@usgs.gov