Dendrochronological Investigations to Evaluate Forest Ecosystems | W81EWF 23 SOI 0020

Opportunity Information: Apply for W81EWF 23 SOI 0020

The Department of Defense, through the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), is seeking a partner for a research project that uses dendrochronology (tree-ring science) to evaluate forest and forested wetland ecosystems and translate those findings into practical guidance for land and natural resource management. The core idea is that many tree species form one growth ring per growing season, which makes tree rings a precise, year-by-year dating tool. By comparing changes in ring width over time, researchers can reconstruct biological and environmental events such as shifts in forest stand dynamics, past climate variability, and disturbance histories (for example, drought stress, flooding impacts, insect outbreaks, storms, or other disruptions). This is especially valuable in places where managers have limited historical records but still need defensible information to guide decisions about forest health, habitat condition, and long-term resilience.

A notable feature of the work is that it can be done with minimal impact to sensitive resources. The opportunity emphasizes non-destructive or low-impact sampling methods, particularly the use of increment cores removed from living trees. Because coring typically does not kill or significantly harm a tree when performed correctly, it is well suited to studies in sensitive habitat types, as well as areas involving threatened and endangered species where more invasive sampling would be unacceptable. The overall purpose is to fill knowledge gaps for organizations responsible for managing forests and forested wetlands by using tree-ring records to assess and track environmental and biological change over time.

The project is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning the awardee is expected to work collaboratively with ERDC researchers rather than operating entirely independently. The research starts with site-specific work and can scale up over time to broader areas of interest (AOIs) depending on results and the need for expansion. In Year 1, the main deliverables and activities include building the technical team, selecting and defining the initial AOI, conducting field data collection at the chosen site(s), analyzing the dendrochronological samples, and producing a formal report of findings. Year 1 also requires generating peer-reviewed journal article(s) with ERDC researchers that integrate conclusions from the study, along with developing and delivering public seminars to communicate results and lessons learned.

If additional funding periods are exercised, Optional Year 2 and Optional Year 3 essentially repeat and extend the Year 1 workflow. Each optional year focuses on expanding the original study area or choosing a new AOI, conducting additional field sampling, completing analysis and reporting, producing peer-reviewed publication(s) in collaboration with ERDC, and presenting public seminars based on the updated findings. In practice, this phased approach allows the work to begin with a manageable pilot effort and then broaden to new sites or larger landscapes as methods are refined and as management questions evolve.

Applicants are expected to bring strong technical capability in dendrochronology and related subdisciplines, along with demonstrated field capacity and the ability to take results through analysis, reporting, and publication. The notice specifically highlights expertise in dendrochronological applications such as dendroclimatology and dendroecology, reflecting the program interest in linking ring patterns to climate signals, ecosystem processes, disturbance regimes, and indicators of forest health. In other words, this is not just a sampling project; it is intended to produce defensible scientific interpretations and communicate them clearly in both peer-reviewed outlets and public-facing seminars.

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as a discretionary funding opportunity under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category (CFDA 12.630). The funding opportunity number is W81EWF 23 SOI 0020. The estimated award ceiling is $50,000, with an expectation of one award. The opportunity was created June 9, 2023, with an original closing date of August 10, 2023. Eligible applicants are described broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

• The Department of Defense, Engineer Research and Development Center in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Dendrochronological Investigations to Evaluate Forest Ecosystems" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.630.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 09, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 10, 2023. (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 $50,000.00 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).

Apply for W81EWF 23 SOI 0020

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