UMRS Forest Resources Inventory and Analysis | W81EWF 25 SOI 0001

FAQs: UMRS Forest Resources Inventory and Analysis (W81EWF 25 SOI 0001)

What is the UMRS Forest Resources Inventory and Analysis opportunity?

This opportunity is a cooperative agreement focused on improving how forest conditions are measured, compared over time, and used to guide forest management decisions on the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). It emphasizes collecting reliable forest resource data consistently and analyzing it across multiple scales so management objectives can be set and tracked with defensible evidence.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The main purpose is to strengthen floodplain forest management by expanding forest inventories and conducting comparative analyses that show how forest composition, structure, health, and regeneration are changing over time. The intent is to produce information that directly supports USACE management decisions across the UMRS.

What work has already been completed that this project builds on?

The project builds on (1) an initial forest resource survey across all Rivers Project Office (RPO) lands, and (2) a second inventory plus a full comparison analysis for Mississippi River Pool 24. This new effort extends that approach to additional river pools to create a clearer picture of current conditions and trends.

How is the work planned across the project period?

The work is organized across two years. Year 1 focuses on conducting additional forest inventories in Mississippi River Pool 25. Year 2 continues inventory work and completes a comparative analysis between the two inventory iterations for Pool 25, similar to the comparative analysis completed for Pool 24.

Which locations are specifically mentioned for fieldwork and analysis?

The announcement specifically names Mississippi River Pool 25 for Year 1 and Year 2 work, and it notes that additional inventories may be required that could extend fieldwork into Mississippi River Pools 25 and 26, the Open River, and the lower Illinois River.

What types of activities should an applicant expect to perform?

Applicants should expect a mix of field-based forest inventory data collection and technical analysis that compares datasets over time. The comparisons are intended to detect changes in forest composition, structure, health, and regeneration, and to translate that information into on-the-ground management decision support.

Why is comparative analysis between inventory iterations emphasized?

The comparative analysis is emphasized because it allows managers to track trends over time, evaluate change, and connect management objectives to measurable outcomes. A consistent inventory and comparison approach helps establish defensible objectives and monitor how floodplain forests are changing.

What management gap is this opportunity trying to address?

A major driver is the recognized gap in post-treatment monitoring. USACE has conducted floodplain forest management for more than three decades using multiple treatment types, but follow-up monitoring has been limited. This project aims to reduce that shortfall by evaluating treatment effects and tying investments to measurable changes in forest condition and regeneration.

What kinds of forest management actions are mentioned in the announcement?

The announcement references reforestation, interplanting, timber stand improvement (TSI), prescribed burning, and invasive species treatments as actions USACE has used in floodplain forest management on the UMRS.

Does the project include both doing management work and evaluating results?

Yes. The description indicates the project is meant to address limited post-treatment monitoring by conducting forest management actions where needed and evaluating their effects on stand condition, species composition, and regeneration success.

How does the project relate to the Upper Mississippi River Systemic Forest Stewardship Plan?

The opportunity supports updates to the Upper Mississippi River Systemic Forest Stewardship Plan (Guyon et al., 2012), which USACE foresters use as a guiding framework for coordinated planning and prescriptions along the river. The revision is expected to incorporate lessons learned from recent projects.

What kinds of updates are expected for the stewardship plan?

The revision is expected to add more detailed research and development elements aimed at defining desired future conditions for different floodplain forest community types and stand structures, and to strengthen how forest management objectives connect to wildlife outcomes, especially for species of concern.

How are wildlife outcomes incorporated into this opportunity?

A key emphasis is linking forest conditions to wildlife outcomes, especially for species of concern. The project is expected to identify specific habitat requirements and translate them into forest management objectives so active forestry work can be evaluated not only for tree metrics but also for whether it is meeting wildlife management goals.

What invasive species concerns are highlighted?

Invasive species are described as a major threat to floodplain forest habitat integrity. Japanese hops is specifically singled out as a rapidly expanding annual vine that can dominate canopy gaps and suppress natural regeneration. Reed canary grass is also mentioned as a problematic invasive in similar contexts.

What is the stated objective related to canopy gaps and invasive species?

A stated objective is to identify innovative and economically feasible approaches to quickly reforest canopy gaps so invasive species do not capture those openings. This suggests evaluating or testing practical reforestation and establishment approaches suitable for floodplain environments.

How does Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) factor into the project?

EAB is identified as a major concern due to its impacts on green ash, which is described as the second most dominant tree within RPO management areas. The project calls for describing current and projected impacts of EAB-driven ash loss and anticipating how floodplain forest conditions may change as green ash declines.

What is the Special Status Report mentioned in the announcement?

The project includes producing a Special Status Report explaining what happens to floodplain forest conditions after green ash declines due to EAB, including the risk that invasives such as Japanese hops could dominate newly created canopy gaps. The report is intended to help managers plan proactive responses.

Who is offering this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.630.

What is the funding instrument type?

The announcement states the award will be made as a cooperative agreement.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 25 SOI 0001.

What is the award ceiling and how many awards are expected?

The award ceiling is $50,000, and the announcement indicates an expectation of one award.

What is the application closing date listed in the announcement?

The original closing date is listed as 2025-01-31.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is restricted to non-federal partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU). Applicants must fit within that partnership structure to be eligible.

Are religious organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The announcement states that religious organizations are eligible to compete on the same basis as secular organizations, consistent with Executive Order 13798.

How can disclosures of current and pending support affect applicants?

The announcement underscores that disclosures of current and pending support can affect eligibility. ERDC may request updated information both before award and during performance, and funding may be discontinued based on those reviews.

Can ERDC request updates after an award is made?

Yes. The announcement notes ERDC may request updated current and pending support information both before award and during performance, with the possibility of discontinuing funding based on review results.

Is the goal limited to data collection, or does it also focus on decision support?

The stated intent goes beyond data collection. The opportunity emphasizes translating consistent, multi-scale inventory data into on-the-ground decisions, supporting defensible objectives, and tracking how floodplain forests are changing in ways that inform USACE management.

What forest attributes are expected to be evaluated when comparing inventories?

The announcement describes detecting changes in forest composition, structure, health, and regeneration when comparing datasets over time.

Why is consistent measurement across multiple scales important in this project?

The project description highlights that reliable forest resource data, collected consistently and analyzed across scales (individual stands, larger management areas, river reaches, and entire river systems), is essential for comparing conditions over time and setting defensible management objectives.

What is the relationship to Rivers Project Office (RPO) lands?

The work builds on an initial forest resource survey completed across all RPO lands and continues to develop inventories and analyses intended to support management decisions within RPO management areas.

Does the opportunity imply potential expansion beyond Pool 25?

Yes. While Pool 25 is the core focus, the announcement states that additional inventories may be required to support the analysis and that fieldwork could extend into Pools 25 and 26, the Open River, and the lower Illinois River.