Monitoring Wetland Ecosystem Health in Utah's Desert Regions
GrantID: 10218
Grant Funding Amount Low: $1,000,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $1,000,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Monitoring Desert Wetland Ecosystems in Utah
Utah's wetland ecosystems, particularly in its arid regions, serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, these desert wetlands face significant threats from climate change, invasive species, and water diversion for agricultural and urban use. Utah is home to some unique wetland characteristics, such as those found in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, which set it apart from neighboring states. These specialized habitats require targeted monitoring and management to ensure their sustainability.
Local conservation groups, land managers, and researchers in Utah often encounter barriers in effectively monitoring and managing these fragile ecosystems due to limited funding and lack of comprehensive data. With fewer resources for ecological assessments, stakeholders struggle to develop informed management strategies that address the specific needs of Utah’s desert wetlands. This knowledge gap hinders their ability to respond effectively to environmental changes and to engage the public in conservation efforts.
The grant program aims to provide funding for the establishment of monitoring programs focused on Utah’s desert wetland ecosystems. By utilizing local volunteers to gather data, this initiative fosters community involvement in conservation efforts while generating valuable insights into the health of these ecosystems. This approach not only supports better management practices but also helps build community awareness and engagement around the importance of preserving Utah’s unique wetland habitats.
Target outcomes include improved data availability and enhanced public understanding of the unique ecological dynamics of Utah's desert wetlands. Gathering data is crucial for supporting future conservation initiatives and policy decisions, as it allows stakeholders to identify trends, assess habitat requirements, and determine appropriate management interventions. As Utah experiences increasing pressures from climate change, understanding the health of these ecosystems becomes even more critical for ensuring their long-term sustainability.
To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate a comprehensive plan for data collection and community engagement. This includes outlining volunteer roles, establishing partnerships with local organizations, and detailing how the data gathered will inform subsequent conservation actions. By focusing on capacity building and public participation, the program aims to create a culture of stewardship around desert wetland ecosystems in Utah.
Utah’s emphasis on monitoring desert wetlands reflects its unique environmental context, highlighting the need for adaptive management strategies that can respond to changing ecological conditions. This initiative not only targets immediate conservation goals but also sets the foundation for future research and policy development, ensuring that Utah's desert wetland ecosystems remain resilient in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
