Federal Partner: National Park Service

Condition Assessment of and Development of Best Management Practices for The National Mall’s Elm Tree Panels

Project Description: The National Park Service, National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA), along with Cornell University will conduct a study to examine the current conditions of the soil and trees located within the elm tree panels on the Mall located in Washington, District of Columbia. The goals of the study are to describe the current growing conditions and tree health, look at historical data, identify growing environment challenges, recommend Best Management Practices that will correct growing deficiencies, and define management objectives going forward to ensure health of the tree stand.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Nina Bassuk, Cornell University

Partner Institution: Cornell University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Rae Emerson

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Start Year: 2017

End Year: 2019

Initial Funding Amount: $57,000.00

Federal Grant Number: P17AC00641

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2018, Amount: $12,786.00
  • Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2019, Amount: $0.00

Location: The National Mall in Washington, District of Columbia

Fall migration, swarming, and hibernation ecology of northern long-eared bats at Cape Cod National Seashore, and implication for ameliorating impacts of white-nose syndrome

Project Description: The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis, NLEB) was listed as threatened as a result of severe population declines caused by white-nose syndrome (WNS). Prior to the onset of WNS, the NLEB was widely dispersed throughout the northeast, including the Cape Cod National Seashore (CACO). Recent research suggests that populations in the MA coastal region may be less impacted by WNS compared to inland populations. As NLEBS persist in the region, understanding the current status and behavior of this population will provide important information about the recovery potential for NLEB in light of WNS. We will build on work to fill major knowledge gaps in our understanding of NLEB ecology and vulnerability to ongoing pressures of WNS. We focus our acoustic monitoring, trapping, and tracking efforts to investigate fall habitat use, including locating potential fall swarming sites and local hibernacula. Analyses from these data will elucidate factors potentially contributing to the persistence and current abundance of NLEB in this coastal region.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Shannon Farell, SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Partner Institution: SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Geoffrey Sanders

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2021

Initial Funding Amount: $199,569.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01723

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2021, Amount: $0.00

National Park or Protected Area: Cape Cod (NPS)

State(s): Massachusetts

Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Fish Population Restoration and Climate Mitigation

Project Description: The primary objective of this project is to expand upon a previous passive acoustic effort in Florida Bay, applying state-of the-art passive acoustic sensors to the detection of several soniferous fish and shrimp species and to develop techniques for passive acoustic data management and processing that is appropriate for use in remote monitoring. Additional objectives include evaluating the impact of recent ecological events and management actions by extracting ecologically significant information from remote locations within Everglades National Park. This project provides research and technical assistance to the National Park Service while students and faculty of Cornell University gain new knowledge and experience through research on natural resources. Researchers external to the NPS will gain new knowledge provided through this research and related results dissemination of the natural resource management information.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Aaron Rice, Cornell University

Partner Institution: Cornell University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Erik Stabenau

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2020

Initial Funding Amount: $25,000.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01666

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2017, Amount: $0.00
  • Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2017, Amount: $216,000.00
  • Amendment Number: 03, Year: 2019, Amount: $0.00

Location: Everglades National Park

State(s): Florida

Coastal Ecosystem Evolution along Cape Cod National Seashore from Long Point to Race Point: Multi-tiered, Science-based Management of Natural Resources and Infrastructure

Project Description: Coastal erosion and accretion in the form of changes in beach width and elevation are directly related to sediment transport in the nearshore. This sediment transport is driven primarily by tidal currents and waves and this study will directly measure those processes while monitoring beach formations. Sediment transport coupled with tidal currents and waves directly affect physical, biological and chemical processes on the seafloor, which in turn can create positive (or negative) feedback that can further impact sediment transport. This feedback cycle can be started, altered, stopped and restarted based on numerous variables. This study will seek to document the links between nearshore sediment transport and coastal evolution.

The main priority addressed with this study is the quantitative and rigorous documentation of sediment transport processes to illustrate the relationship between coastal oceanographic processes and the onshore manifestation of those processes in the form of erosion and accretion throughout the study area in general, and Herring Cove Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Provincetown, Massachusetts, in particular. This beach is one of the most highly visited beaches in the park and has undergone significant erosion in recent years. Due to the clear erosion impacts to this area, the seashore has already begun implementing climate change adaptation strategies.

A transdisciplinary study from Long Point to Race Point in Provincetown Massachusetts is proposed that will help managers better understand the short-, medium- and long-term evolution of this area in general, and Herring Cove Beach in particular. This study will integrate coastal oceanographic measurements with ecological habitat data that will provide the foundation for detailed analysis with regards to possible future conditions along the 8 miles of shoreline.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Mark Borrelli, Center for Coastal Studies

Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Graham Giese,

Partner Institution: Center for Coastal Studies

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Geoffrey Sanders

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2021

Initial Funding Amount: $122,134.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01502

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2017, Amount: $89,230.00
  • Amendment Number: 0002, Year: 2019, Amount: $112,141.00
  • Amendment Number: 0003, Year: 2020, Amount: $62,423.00

National Park or Protected Area: Cape Cod (NPS)

State(s): Massachusetts

National Register of Historic Places Documentation, Longfellow House- Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site

Project Description: Northeastern University aims to inventory, evaluate, and document the resources of the Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site in Cambridge, Massachusetts in accordance with the criteria developed by the National Register of Historic Places. The updated documentation will confirm that the site’s dates of historic significance should extend well beyond the current registry end date of 1899 and should instead be extended to 1928.

Today, Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters is a premier example of Georgian architecture. With its preserved view of the Charles River, it is considered the best remaining “Tory Row” mansion on Brattle Street in Cambridge. Filled with furniture, artworks, books, ceramics, and an extensive archive, the house reflects the Longfellow family’s wide-ranging interests and pursuits.

NPS and Northeastern will work together to develop National Register documentation, which should distinguish between contributing and non-contributing resources in the district as part of this new documentation. The National Register boundary should be distinguished as well. Northeastern and NPS specialist will collaborate closely to complete this essential documentation for the park and to provide opportunities for graduate students in public history to contribute to the study and stewardship of NPS resources.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Victoria Cain, Northeastern University

Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Martin Blatt, Northeastern University

Partner Institution: Northeastern University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Bethany Serafine

Project Discipline: Cultural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Cultural and Historic

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2018

Initial Funding Amount: $58,750.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01488

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 0001, Year: 2018, Amount: $0.00
  • Amendment Number: 0002, Year: 2018, Amount: $0.00

Location: Longfellow House- Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site

State(s): Massachusetts

Geophysical and Archeological Survey at Fort Hill, Morristown National Historical Park

Project Description: This project will complete a geophysical and archeological survey of the Fort Hill site, located in the Jockey Hollow Unit of Morristown National Historical Park. Geophysical techniques will include use of an array of sensors including metal detectors, ground penetrating radar, resistivity and conductivity meters, and other complementary instruments. Follow-on archeological survey will map and test surface features and anomalies located during the initial phase of work.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Lee Slater, Rutgers University

Partner Institution: Rutgers University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: James Harmon

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2019

Initial Funding Amount: $76,536.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01472

Location: Fort Hill, Morristown National Historical Park

State(s): New Jersey

Science Communication Outreach for the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network

Project Description: This project takes a human dimensions approach to the social-ecological systems of the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network parks, connecting with park visitors and nearby residents to explain the impacts of NCBN inventory and monitoring on science-based decision making in the parks. This work will incorporate scientific knowledge, local knowledge, and values into communication materials.

One of the goals of the National Park Service is to clearly and effectively communicate the results of its research efforts to both park staff and the public in ways beyond the typical scientific paper report. As part of this collaboration, the research team will develop a number of science communication related products aimed visitors and nearby residents, resource briefs, researcher profiles, podcasts, and photo stories.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Sunshine Menezes, University of Rhode Island

Partner Institution: University of Rhode Island

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Jim Comiskey

Project Type: Education

Project Discipline: Cultural Resources

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2018

Initial Funding Amount: $40,493.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01321

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 0001, Year: 2017, Amount: $69,994.00
  • Amendment Number: 0002, Year: 2018, Amount: $0.00

Buck Island Reef National Monument Acoustic Array Collaboration

Project Description: This project is a continuation of research initiated in 2013. This research will continue to examine connectivity across habitat and jurisdictional boundaries by tracking movement patterns of fish species occupying different trophic levels. To achieve this objective, we will continue acoustic tagging of great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), horse-eye jacks (Caranx latus), remora (Echeneidae), and yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) within Buck Island Reef National Monument. We will also continue to support critical field operations related to the deployment, download, and maintenance of the acoustic array.

This project’s public purpose is to provide information about how natural resources are connected and support an ecosystem-based approach for the effective management of natural resources. This research will identify important habitat use patterns, migratory corridors, and spawning aggregation sites for threatened and endangered species, ecologically important species, and species of commercial significance. In addition, this research will quantify the movement of specific resources (sea turtles, sharks, fish, conch) within and among Marine Protected Areas and areas open to fisheries. This information will be used determine the efficacy of the park, inform management action, increase environmental stewardship, engage aspiring young students, advance our scientific body of knowledge, and improves the public’s understanding of ecological conservation.

Potential for future research within the park for this study includes additional acoustic tags for the target species currently researched, the incorporation of more species of reef fish into the tagging program, and the collection of tissue and stomach content samples in order to supplement acoustic telemetry with stable isotope analyses and predation studies to examine energy flow across habitat boundaries.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Adrian Jordaan, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Partner Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Clayton Pollock

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2020

Initial Funding Amount: $35,000.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01276

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2019, Amount: $10,000.00
  • Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2019, Amount: $0.00

Location: Buck Island Reef National Monument

GLKN Monitoring Larval Dragonflies for Mercury

Project Description: GLKN will be modifying an existing draft protocol for monitoring and assessing bioaccumulative contaminants in aquatic food webs, to more narrowly focus on monitoring for mercury only, in just larval dragonflies and fish. Larval dragonflies will be monitored annually for mercury at all nine parks within GLKN, with fish monitored periodically as funding permits. The three principle objectives in the modified and updated protocol will be to (1) assess spatial patterns in mercury contamination of larval dragonflies and fish in the parks, (2) identify parks and water bodies where mercury may pose a risk to organisms—particularly those atop aquatic food webs-, and to human health, and (3) to provide data for assessing temporal trends in mercury of larval dragonflies and fish in GLKN parks. GLKN will take primary responsibility for modifying and publishing the updated protocol.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Nelson, University of Maine

Partner Institution: University of Maine

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: David VanderMuelen

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2021

Initial Funding Amount: $30,000.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01050

Location: Great Lakes

Geomorphological Change: Reporting, Monitoring and Development of the Three-Dimensional Protocol for Landform Evolution, Gateway National Recreation Area.

Project Description: The NPS Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) monitoring program has created a fully developed protocol for tracking shoreline position in parks with GPS technology and for monitoring the evolution of the coastal topography. The project addresses the need to maintain data gathering in the units of the Gateway National Recreation Area and to continue to work with other NCBN parks to develop reports and documentation of their coastal shoreline change monitoring data. Rutgers’ scientists will also assist the NCBN in revising their long-term monitoring protocol for coastal shoreline change, used in NPS coastal units.

This project also addresses public purpose in accordance with the promotion, facilitation, and/or improvement of the public’s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational and other aspects of areas such as ecological conservation areas, and state and local parks.

Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Norbert Psuty, Rutgers University

Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael Deluca,

Partner Institution: Rutgers University

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Jim Comiskey

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Start Year: 2016

End Year: 2019

Initial Funding Amount: $49,991.00

Federal Grant Number: P16AC01026

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2017, Amount: $65,064.00

National Park or Protected Area: Gateway (NPS)