Opportunity Information: Apply for F17AS00061
The Western Monarch Population Viability Analysis grant opportunity is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior) cooperative agreement focused on quantifying extinction risk and recovery needs for western monarch butterflies. Monarchs across North America have experienced major declines over the last two decades, with research indicating up to an 80 percent decline in eastern populations and more than a 70 percent decline in western populations. While previous scientific work (notably Semmens et al. 2016) produced formal population viability and quasi-extinction projections for eastern monarchs, comparable, decision-ready analyses had not been completed for the western population. This award is meant to close that gap by producing a rigorous population viability analysis tailored to the biology and overwintering structure of western monarchs in coastal California.
The project is to be carried out by Washington State University, which will adapt the modeling framework used in the eastern analyses to the western monitoring data and context. The opportunity description highlights an initial, preliminary trend assessment already performed using multivariate autoregressive state-space models, drawing on the Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count dataset from 1997 through 2014. That early work estimated a negative population growth rate for western monarchs (u = -0.077, roughly equivalent to lambda about 0.93), which is similar in magnitude to the estimated decline rate reported for eastern monarchs (u = -0.061, lambda about 0.94). These values underscore that the western population appears to be declining at a rate comparable to the eastern population, strengthening the case for a more complete viability analysis.
The planned work has several concrete analytical deliverables. First, the recipient will produce a robust estimate of the probability of quasi-extinction for western monarchs over the next 20 years. Quasi-extinction in this context generally refers to falling below a critically low threshold where recovery becomes unlikely, even if absolute extinction has not yet occurred. Second, the study will estimate how large an increase in western monarch population size would be needed to cut the extinction risk in half, providing a clear, management-relevant target analogous to the eastern estimate that suggested a five-fold increase was needed to substantially reduce risk. Beyond these core outputs, the project will explore model extensions that can detect whether the rate of decline has been steady or has changed over time during the last two decades, which can help identify periods of acceleration, stabilization, or improvement. The analysis will also examine the influence of potential drivers such as drought and pesticide exposure by incorporating covariates, with the aim of determining how these stressors may affect population trajectory and extinction risk.
From a conservation and policy standpoint, the purpose of the grant is to generate credible quantitative evidence that can support status assessments and help prioritize future research and conservation investments for western monarchs. By translating monitoring counts into probabilistic forecasts and identifying how environmental conditions and human-influenced factors may alter risk, the results are intended to guide where interventions may be most effective and what scale of population rebound is needed to meaningfully change outcomes.
Administratively, this opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F17AS00061) was posted as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism under CFDA 15.658, within the Natural Resources funding activity category. Eligible applicants were public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, but the posting is explicitly a Notification of Intent to make a single-source award through the CESU network, meaning the recipient had already been selected rather than the program being open for competitive proposals. The announcement was created on December 9, 2016, with an original closing date of December 16, 2016. The expected number of awards was one, with an award ceiling of $47,500. The legal authorities cited include the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 (16 U.S.C. 661) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 through 11).Apply for F17AS00061
- The Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Western Monarch Population Viability Analysis" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.658.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 09, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 16, 2016 This is a Notification of Intent to award a Single Source CESU award. The recipient has already been selected.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $47,500.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Western Monarch Population Viability Analysis (F17AS00061) - FAQs
What is the Western Monarch Population Viability Analysis grant opportunity?
This is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior) cooperative agreement focused on producing a decision-ready population viability analysis (PVA) for western monarch butterflies, with the goal of quantifying extinction risk and identifying recovery needs for the western population that overwinters in coastal California.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), within the Department of the Interior.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is F17AS00061.
What type of award mechanism is being used?
The award uses a cooperative agreement mechanism.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 15.658.
What funding activity category does this opportunity fall under?
The funding activity category is Natural Resources.
Why was this grant created (what problem is it addressing)?
The grant was created to address a key analytical gap: while formal PVA and quasi-extinction projections had been produced for eastern monarchs (notably Semmens et al. 2016), comparable, decision-ready analyses had not been completed for the western monarch population. This project aims to close that gap with an analysis tailored to the biology and overwintering structure of western monarchs in coastal California.
What declines in monarch populations are described in the opportunity?
The opportunity states that monarchs across North America have experienced major declines over the last two decades, with research indicating up to an 80 percent decline in eastern populations and more than a 70 percent decline in western populations.
Who is the intended recipient for this award?
The project is to be carried out by Washington State University.
Was this an open, competitive funding opportunity?
No. The posting is explicitly described as a Notification of Intent to make a single-source award through the CESU network. This means the recipient had already been selected rather than the program being open for competitive proposals.
Who was eligible to apply, based on the announcement?
The eligible applicant type listed was public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, but the announcement also specifies it was a single-source award notification through the CESU network.
What is the expected number of awards?
The expected number of awards was one.
What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling was $47,500.
When was the opportunity posted, and what was the closing date?
The announcement was created on December 9, 2016, with an original closing date of December 16, 2016.
What is the overall purpose of the project?
The purpose is to generate credible quantitative evidence that can support status assessments and help prioritize future research and conservation investments for western monarchs, by translating monitoring counts into probabilistic forecasts and identifying what scale of population rebound is needed to meaningfully change outcomes.
What is a population viability analysis (PVA) in this project context?
In this context, a population viability analysis is a quantitative approach used to estimate extinction risk and evaluate recovery needs by analyzing population trends and projecting future outcomes. The project specifically aims to produce probability-based forecasts for western monarchs using monitoring data and an adapted modeling framework.
What is "quasi-extinction" as used in this opportunity?
Quasi-extinction generally refers to falling below a critically low population threshold where recovery becomes unlikely, even if absolute extinction has not yet occurred.
What are the main analytical deliverables described?
The opportunity describes several deliverables, including: (1) a robust estimate of the probability of quasi-extinction for western monarchs over the next 20 years; (2) an estimate of how large an increase in western monarch population size would be needed to cut extinction risk in half (a management-relevant target); (3) model extensions to test whether the decline rate has been steady or has changed over the last two decades; and (4) analysis of potential drivers such as drought and pesticide exposure by incorporating covariates.
What is the time horizon for the quasi-extinction risk estimate?
The planned work will estimate the probability of quasi-extinction over the next 20 years.
What does the opportunity mean by a management-relevant target?
It refers to an estimate of the size of population increase needed to meaningfully reduce risk (specifically, the increase required to cut extinction risk in half), providing a clear quantitative target that can inform conservation and management decisions.
How does this western analysis relate to prior work on eastern monarchs?
The project will adapt the modeling framework used in the eastern analyses to the western monitoring data and context. The opportunity also references an eastern result (from prior work) indicating a five-fold increase was needed to substantially reduce risk, and notes that this project will produce an analogous estimate for the western population.
What preliminary analysis is mentioned, and what dataset did it use?
The opportunity describes an initial, preliminary trend assessment performed using multivariate autoregressive state-space models, drawing on the Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count dataset from 1997 through 2014.
What did the preliminary trend assessment estimate for western monarch population growth?
It estimated a negative population growth rate for western monarchs of u = -0.077 (roughly equivalent to lambda about 0.93).
How does the western estimated decline compare to the eastern estimate cited?
The opportunity states the western estimate (u = -0.077, lambda about 0.93) is similar in magnitude to the estimated decline rate reported for eastern monarchs (u = -0.061, lambda about 0.94), suggesting the western population appears to be declining at a comparable rate.
Will the study assess whether the decline rate has changed over time?
Yes. The project will explore model extensions that can detect whether the rate of decline has been steady or has changed over time over the last two decades, which can help identify periods of acceleration, stabilization, or improvement.
Which potential drivers or stressors are specifically mentioned for inclusion in the modeling?
The opportunity specifically mentions drought and pesticide exposure as potential drivers to be examined by incorporating covariates into the analysis.
What is the conservation or policy value of the expected results?
The results are intended to guide where interventions may be most effective and what scale of population rebound is needed to meaningfully change outcomes, supporting status assessments and helping prioritize future research and conservation investments for western monarchs.
Where is the western monarch population focus described in the opportunity?
The opportunity emphasizes that the PVA will be tailored to the biology and overwintering structure of western monarchs in coastal California.
What legal authorities are cited for this award?
The legal authorities cited include the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 (16 U.S.C. 661) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 through 11).
What does the opportunity say about how the work will be conducted (method approach)?
It states that Washington State University will adapt the modeling framework used in the eastern analyses to western monitoring data and context. It also references the use of multivariate autoregressive state-space models in the preliminary trend assessment and indicates the analysis will incorporate covariates (such as drought and pesticide exposure) and explore extensions to detect changes in decline rate over time.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Strengthen Brazil’s National Response to HIV and other diseases through innovative and evidence-based approaches in laboratory, strategic information, prevention and care activities and foster partnerships between Brazil, Angola and Mozambique unde
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F17AS00061
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F17AS00061) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Notice of Intent - Sediment Input to Coastal Environments of the Caribbean Islands over Annual-Millennial Time Scales Natural and Anthropogenic Records Apply for USGS FA 17 0038 Funding Number: USGS FA 17 0038 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Old Growth Habitat Restoration & Wildlife Enhancement on the Ranger Cabin Trail Apply for NPSNOIWACA1700071 Funding Number: NPSNOIWACA1700071 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Protect & Enhance Native Riparian Vegetation on the Colorado River Apply for NPSNOICANY1700072 Funding Number: NPSNOICANY1700072 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM Utah Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program Partnership for Seed Collection, Seed Use Research, Demonstration Gardens, Outreach/Communications/Web Support and Meetings Apply for L17AS00004 Funding Number: L17AS00004 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta Channel Project Apply for F17AS00069 Funding Number: F17AS00069 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Application for CTA and EQIP Grants Announcement for FY-2017 Program Funding Apply for USDA NRCS EQIP CTA MO 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS EQIP CTA MO 17 01 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Notice of Intent: FY2017 MPNHA Implementation of Management Plan Apply for P17AS00036 Funding Number: P17AS00036 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| FY17 Region 7 State Wildlife Grant Program - Open to State Fish and Game agency only Apply for F17AS00074 Funding Number: F17AS00074 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $6,000,000 |
| BLM Idaho Statewide Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions Apply for L17AS00005 Funding Number: L17AS00005 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $140,000 |
| Conservation Legacy Restoration Crew Apply for P17AS00038 Funding Number: P17AS00038 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $52,800 |
| Notice of Intent Apply for USGS 17 FA 0032 Funding Number: USGS 17 FA 0032 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $88,254 |
| Notice of Intent: Leigh and String Lakes Visitor Use Study Apply for P17AS00040 Funding Number: P17AS00040 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $463,485 |
| Notice of Intent: Colorado Plateau Dark Skies Cooperative Coordinator Internship Apply for P17AS00041 Funding Number: P17AS00041 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $66,200 |
| Karner Blue Butterfly Assisted Migration in Western Wisconsin Apply for F17AS00063 Funding Number: F17AS00063 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| 2017 National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Apply for G17AS00020 Funding Number: G17AS00020 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM- Nevada Lincoln County Non-Motorized Multipurpose Trails SNPLMA Round 15 Apply for L17AS00006 Funding Number: L17AS00006 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $730,280 |
| Vegetation Program Apply for NPSNOIGRCA1700073 Funding Number: NPSNOIGRCA1700073 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BLM-WO, National Seed Strategy Assessment Apply for L17AS00007 Funding Number: L17AS00007 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Fox River NRDA Apply for F17AS00079 Funding Number: F17AS00079 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $65,000 |
| Great Lakes Restoration Initiative-Joint Venture Habitat Restoration and Protection Apply for F17AS00082 Funding Number: F17AS00082 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F17AS00061", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.