Opportunity Information: Apply for NOIP17AC00470
The GLNF-CESU: Observational Research for St. Croix National Scenic River grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NOIP17AC00470) is a National Park Service cooperative agreement designed to help St. Croix National Scenic Riverway better understand how the river and its landings are used during the busiest part of the year. The overall purpose is practical: the park wants solid, on-the-ground information about both public recreation and commercial activity so it can make better planning and visitor management decisions and ensure that use remains compatible with the riverway's purposes.
The project focuses on systematic, structured observation of visitors at key river landings during the peak season, roughly June through September 15, with the exact window dependent on weather. Rather than relying on surveys or self-reported data, University of Minnesota staff are expected to observe visitor behavior in a way that blends into the setting and minimizes any effect on how people act. Observations are to be conducted on both weekdays and weekends to capture different use patterns and crowd dynamics.
A central piece of the work is developing and using observational forms that answer specific management questions. These include documenting the number of commercial versus non-commercial users per recreation day, identifying the types of activities taking place, tracking how use changes by time of day, noting visitor interactions and any issues that arise, and recording whether visitors are wearing personal flotation devices. In addition to these core behavioral and use measures, observers will also collect contextual information that can help explain why conditions look the way they do on a given day. That includes the date and time, temperature, sky conditions (such as sunny versus overcast), wind speed, river conditions or any warnings, and an estimate of parking lot capacity or fullness (for example, number of open spots). The work also calls for field notes and photography documenting launch conditions, which can support later interpretation of congestion, safety concerns, or infrastructure needs.
The responsibilities are split between the recipient (University of Minnesota, referenced in the statement of work) and the National Park Service. The recipient is expected to coordinate with NPS staff to decide which landings will be observed and to confirm what information will be most useful to collect for management purposes. The recipient must hire and manage personnel to conduct the observational research at selected locations, carry out the fieldwork through the summer and potentially into early fall of 2017, and then share the findings with park staff in a usable format so the results can feed into planning and decision-making.
On the NPS side, the agency commits to supporting the work by providing local insight and review of documents, along with access to facilities and visitors as needed to carry out observations appropriately. NPS also plans to provide logistical support for University of Minnesota personnel, including at least one vehicle, radios, and lodging. After results are produced, NPS will discuss findings with the research team and consider future needs related to visitor management issues identified through the project.
Administratively, this opportunity was issued by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, under CFDA 15.945 and uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically indicates substantial involvement by the federal partner during the project rather than a hands-off grant. The opportunity was posted on April 25, 2017, with an original closing date of May 6, 2017. It anticipated a single award (Expected Awards: 1) with an award ceiling of $120,000. The eligibility category is listed as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full posting, consistent with a CESU-linked opportunity where specific partner institutions or a defined network may be intended.Apply for NOIP17AC00470
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "GLNF-CESU: Observational Research for St. Croix National Scenic River" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.945.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 25, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 06, 2017. (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 $120,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GLNF-CESU: Observational Research for St. Croix National Scenic River grant opportunity?
This is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement opportunity designed to support observational research on how the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and its river landings are used during the busiest part of the year. The goal is to produce practical, on-the-ground information that the park can use for planning, visitor management, and ensuring river use remains compatible with the riverway's purposes.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this opportunity?
The Funding Opportunity Number is NOIP17AC00470.
Which federal agency is offering this funding?
The opportunity was issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA 15.945.
What type of funding mechanism is being used?
This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement mechanism. In general, that indicates substantial involvement by the federal partner (NPS) during the project, rather than a fully hands-off grant relationship.
What is the overall purpose of the project?
The project aims to help St. Croix National Scenic Riverway better understand both public recreation and commercial activity at key river landings during peak season. The information is intended to support better planning and visitor management decisions, based on systematic observation rather than self-reported data.
What is the project expected to measure or document?
The project centers on structured observation and documentation at river landings, including:
- Number of commercial versus non-commercial users per recreation day
- Types of activities taking place
- How use changes by time of day
- Visitor interactions and any issues that arise
- Whether visitors are wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs)
Is this project based on surveys or interviews with visitors?
No. The description emphasizes systematic, structured observation rather than surveys or self-reported data.
How are observers expected to conduct observations around visitors?
Observers are expected to watch visitor behavior in a way that blends into the setting and minimizes any effect on how people act.
When is the observation period expected to take place?
The focus is on the peak season, roughly June through September 15, with the exact window dependent on weather. The fieldwork may extend through the summer and potentially into early fall of 2017.
Will observations be conducted on weekdays, weekends, or both?
Observations are planned for both weekdays and weekends in order to capture differences in use patterns and crowd dynamics.
Where will observations occur?
Observations will take place at key river landings within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The specific landings are to be determined in coordination between the recipient and NPS staff.
What kinds of contextual conditions will observers record?
In addition to documenting use and behavior, observers will collect contextual information that may explain daily conditions, including:
- Date and time
- Temperature
- Sky conditions (for example, sunny vs. overcast)
- Wind speed
- River conditions or any warnings
- Estimated parking lot capacity/fullness (for example, number of open spots)
Are field notes and photos part of the expected work?
Yes. The work calls for field notes and photography documenting launch conditions. This documentation can support later interpretation of congestion, safety concerns, or infrastructure needs.
What are the main responsibilities of the recipient?
Based on the description, the recipient (referenced as the University of Minnesota in the statement of work) is expected to:
- Coordinate with NPS staff to select which landings will be observed and confirm what information will be most useful for management purposes
- Hire and manage personnel to conduct the observational research at selected locations
- Carry out fieldwork during the summer and potentially into early fall of 2017
- Share findings with park staff in a usable format so results can inform planning and decision-making
What support will the National Park Service provide to the project team?
NPS commits to supporting the work by providing local insight and reviewing documents, as well as providing access to facilities and visitors as needed to carry out observations appropriately. NPS also plans to provide logistical support for University of Minnesota personnel, including at least one vehicle, radios, and lodging.
How will the results be used after the observations are completed?
The intent is for results to feed directly into park planning and visitor management decisions. After results are produced, NPS will discuss findings with the research team and consider future needs related to visitor management issues identified through the project.
How many awards were expected under this opportunity?
The posting anticipated a single award (Expected Awards: 1).
What was the maximum funding amount (award ceiling) listed?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity was $120,000.
When was this opportunity posted, and what was the original closing date?
The opportunity was posted on April 25, 2017, and the original closing date was May 6, 2017.
Who is eligible to apply, based on the information provided?
The eligibility category is listed as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full posting. The description suggests it is consistent with a CESU-linked opportunity where specific partner institutions or a defined network may be intended.
What does the CESU reference suggest about the opportunity?
The CESU reference is described as consistent with a CESU-linked opportunity, which may indicate that specific partner institutions or a defined network are intended to participate, as referenced in the full posting.
What makes this project "observational research" in practice?
The project is described as using systematic, structured observation forms and on-site monitoring at river landings to document actual behaviors and conditions (commercial vs. non-commercial use, activity types, time-of-day changes, safety indicators like PFD use, and situational context like weather and parking).
What management questions are the observational forms meant to answer?
The forms are intended to address specific management questions, including how many commercial vs. non-commercial users are present, what activities are occurring, how use varies over the day, what interactions or issues arise, and whether visitors are wearing personal flotation devices.
Is the exact observation schedule fixed?
No. The peak season window is described as roughly June through September 15, but the exact window depends on weather.
Does the opportunity description specify how findings must be delivered?
It states that the recipient must share findings with park staff in a usable format so the results can feed into planning and decision-making, but it does not provide additional formatting specifications in the information provided here.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Resource Management Internship Program
Previous opportunity: Cooperative Agreement with Egypt Ministry of Health and Population for Global Disease Detection Activities Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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 NOIP17AC00470
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (NOIP17AC00470) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Crisis Intervention Team Training Curriculum Enhancement Apply for 17JD06 Funding Number: 17JD06 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Training Courses for Afghan Journalists at the Centre for Excellence in Journalism Apply for SCAKAB 17 AW 008 SCA 04252017 Funding Number: SCAKAB 17 AW 008 SCA 04252017 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Engaging local audiences through interactive programs Apply for SCAISB 17 AW 007 04252017 Funding Number: SCAISB 17 AW 007 04252017 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Pakistan Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Water Resources Research National Competitive Grants Program Apply for G17AS00027 Funding Number: G17AS00027 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Counter-terrorism Training for Magistrates and Civilian Administrators in Regions Vulnerable to Terrorism Apply for DOS CT CA CAMEROON 04 27 17 004 Funding Number: DOS CT CA CAMEROON 04 27 17 004 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Counterterrorism Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Resettlement Support Centers (RSC) for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya; Turkey and the Middle East (TuME) in Istanbul, Turkey; and Eurasia in Moscow, Russia. Apply for SFOP0001616 Funding Number: SFOP0001616 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Lifting Nicaraguan Voices (LNV) Apply for 54 17 000004 Funding Number: 54 17 000004 Agency: Agency for International Development, Nicaragua USAID-Managua Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Lifting Nicaraguan Voices (LNV) Apply for 524 17 000004 Funding Number: 524 17 000004 Agency: Agency for International Development, Nicaragua USAID-Managua Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| DRL- Engaging Youth in Promoting Tolerance, Pluralism, and the Human Rights of Marginalized Populations Apply for DRLA DRLAQM 17 071 Funding Number: DRLA DRLAQM 17 071 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,407,407 |
| USAID Reconciliation Activity Apply for RFA 168 17 000005 Funding Number: RFA 168 17 000005 Agency: Agency for International Development, Bosnia USAID-Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Research, Inventory, and Evaluate Cultural Landscape of Blow-Me- Down Farm, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site Apply for P17AS00226 Funding Number: P17AS00226 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $65,001 |
| Master Cooperative Agreement Apply for P17AS00227 Funding Number: P17AS00227 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing Research on Offender Behavioral Change: Sanctions and Incentives Apply for 17CS11 Funding Number: 17CS11 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Droughts in Dryland Regions... Apply for G17AC00155 Funding Number: G17AC00155 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $94,000 |
| Droughts in Dryland Regions Apply for USGS 17 FA 00155 Funding Number: USGS 17 FA 00155 Agency: Department of the Interior, Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $94,000 |
| ISRO Conservation Corps of MN & IA Apply for NOIP16AC00209 001 Funding Number: NOIP16AC00209 001 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Chickenbone Trail Youth Trail Rehabilitation Crew - ISRO Apply for NOIP16AC00207 001 Funding Number: NOIP16AC00207 001 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $90,000 |
| Integration of Midwest Region Cultural Landscapes in the Facility Management Software System Apply for NOIP17AC00275 Funding Number: NOIP17AC00275 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $164,000 |
| “Turning NATO’s Words into Action After the Brussels Meeting” Apply for DOS USNATO PAA 2017 001 Funding Number: DOS USNATO PAA 2017 001 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to NATO Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Fire History Research in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Apply for NOIP17AC00250 Funding Number: NOIP17AC00250 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $81,000 |
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 "NOIP17AC00470", 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.