National Park Service

Description

This is an intent to award ONLY. Study the effects of chronic wasting disease on elk population dynamics in Rocky Mountain National Park. This task agreement will gather information on how CWD is affecting elk population processes. This is critical to understand because elk population sizes in and around RMNP have declined by 40% in the last seven years. These decreases in population size occurred prior to the onset of new management actions (e.g., culling, large-scale fencing). It has been speculated that the decline is due to increased hunter harvest, lower food availability, and migration out of the Estes Valley; however, none of these metrics has been examined in a quantitative fashion. Thus, evaluating the role of CWD relative to these other potential causes of decline has emerged as a fundamental need.

Who can apply

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Contact

Kortni Selinger <br/>Contract Specialist <br/>Phone 303-987-6734
kortni_selinger@contractor.nps.gov