Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to investigate the impacts of border wall construction on ecosystems and wildlife habitat in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. This opportunity has two focal areas: (1) a workshop and synthesis of research activities in the region focused on the ecological impacts of border wall construction; and (2) research that investigates the effects of the border wall on hydrologic connectivity, wildlife access to water, and riparian wetland ecosystems. The second focal area will assess the hydrologic and wildlife impacts of border wall construction with an emphasis on water movement and availability to ecosystems and wildlife. The research will also identify opportunities to mitigate the loss of direct access to the Rio Grande River caused by the construction of the border wall barrier through identification of areas where natural wetlands could be restored or engineered water sources created to provide water for wildlife in areas where wildlife can no longer access the Rio Grande River. This opportunity will provide an avenue for assisting the USGS WARC and conservation partners in efforts to investigate and mitigate the impacts of border wall construction on ecosystems and wildlife habitat in the the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.