Conduct Geophysical Sub-surface Resource Survey at Alaskaâ¿¿s National Parks | P17AS00312

Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00312

The grant opportunity, titled "Conduct Geophysical Sub-surface Resource Survey at Alaska's National Parks" (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00312), is a National Park Service (NPS) effort to improve how Alaska park units identify, protect, and interpret cultural resources that are buried underground. The Cultural Resource division considers this a priority because many archaeological sites in Alaska are not visible on the surface, and managers often have limited information about what is present, how deep it is, and how far it extends. Instead of relying on test pits or other intrusive methods that can disturb or damage sensitive resources, the project emphasizes geophysical sub-surface survey techniques, especially Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), to detect buried cultural features and deposits in a non-destructive way. A major practical driver is the need to locate human burials so parks can plan visitor use and construction or maintenance projects while avoiding inadvertent disturbance.

A key theme of the opportunity is coordination across multiple parks to make specialized fieldwork more affordable and efficient. By pooling needs and scheduling surveys together, the parks can bring in a geophysical specialist to work across sites rather than funding separate mobilizations. Each participating park has a distinct management or research question. Lake Clark National Park is focused on identifying burials and archaeological deposits in an area with heavy visitor traffic, where knowing what lies below the surface is essential for protection and safe planning. Cape Krusenstern National Monument is using geophysics as part of a permafrost study to understand how thawing driven by climate change is impacting cultural deposits in northwest Alaska. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is also examining permafrost-related change, but additionally plans a detailed look at house features and midden areas at Cape Espenberg, tied to controlled excavations already underway there. Denali National Park and Preserve intends to survey at Birch Creek to relocate a cemetery and identify individual grave plots. Sitka National Historical Park plans to use GPR to help find structural remnants such as the walls of a Tlingit fort associated with the 1804 conflict between the Kiks.di and Russian forces, supporting both resource protection and historical interpretation.

The project lays out three main objectives for collaboration between Cornell University and the NPS. First, it calls for the use of multiple geophysical techniques (not just GPR) to locate and identify embedded cultural features and sediment layers across the full depth range of each site, reflecting the varied depositional environments found in Alaska. Second, it requires a detailed deliverable package for park management and researchers, including a formal report with maps, images, and professional interpretations of the geophysical results. Third, it aims to produce two kinds of communication products: interpretive materials geared toward park visitors and public outreach, and scientific outputs aimed at academic audiences.

The public purpose centers on improving understanding of how people adapted to past environments in Alaska and ensuring that cultural resources are preserved while parks continue to operate, maintain infrastructure, and host visitors. The opportunity anticipates dissemination through several channels: a technical report, a peer-reviewed journal article co-developed by Cornell research staff and NPS archaeologists, a presentation at a professional conference, and a public talk. The project is also intended to generate content for NPS outreach and interpretive materials, and the principal investigator expects to incorporate these case studies into a book-length monograph focused on geophysical sub-surface survey methods. Another practical benefit is workforce development inside the NPS, since the project includes instruction and hands-on experience for NPS participants in applying geophysical techniques within cultural resources management on public lands.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, listed under environment and humanities (cultural affairs) with CFDA number 15.945. The funding opportunity indicates an award ceiling of $100,000 with an expectation of one award. Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), and the notice specifies it is a notice of intent to award to Cornell University, meaning it is not structured as an open competition. The opportunity was created May 31, 2017, with an original closing date of June 6, 2017. Finally, the NPS notes that Alaska Region outlets such as High Latitude Highlights, Alaska Park Science, and special scientific publications are established pathways for sharing results, and that non-sensitive products may be made publicly accessible through the NPS Integrated Resource Management Applications (IRMA), while sensitive site information may be restricted under the Archaeological Resource Protection Act or similar protections.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the environment, humanities (see cultural affairs in cfda) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Conduct Geophysical Sub-surface Resource Survey at Alaskaâ¿¿s National Parks" 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 May 31, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 06, 2017 This is a notice of intent to award to Cornell University.. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

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