Inventory Archaeological Resources, Gardner River Geothermal Area, | P20AS00085

Opportunity Information: Apply for P20AS00085

The grant opportunity titled "Inventory Archaeological Resources, Gardner River Geothermal Area" (Funding Opportunity Number P20AS00085) is a National Park Service funding notice under the U.S. Department of the Interior focused on cultural resource research and documentation in Yellowstone National Park. The project centers on a defined study area along the east side of the Gardner River, specifically near hydrothermal features, where archaeological resources can shed light on long-term human use of geothermal landscapes. The work is positioned as both an inventory effort and an evaluative study designed to improve baseline knowledge of sites in an area where environmental conditions and visitation can affect site integrity.

The core purpose of the project is threefold: (1) inventory archaeological resources within the specified Gardner River geothermal corridor, (2) complete formal site condition assessments to document current site status and any observed threats or impacts, and (3) evaluate identified or revisited sites for eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In practical terms, this means systematic fieldwork to locate and document sites, standardized assessments to characterize condition and vulnerability, and professional evaluation against NRHP criteria so the park can determine which places warrant formal recognition and stronger protection under federal cultural resource frameworks.

A key emphasis in the description is the research value of these archaeological sites for understanding pre-contact and traditional human use of hydrothermal areas. Yellowstone's geothermal zones have long attracted people for reasons that can include travel routes, resource gathering, toolstone use, hunting and processing activities, camping, and culturally meaningful engagement with warm springs and steam vents. Because hydrothermal landscapes can preserve distinctive patterns of use and have continued cultural relevance for Indigenous communities, the inventory and evaluation work supported by this grant is intended to strengthen the park's ability to interpret, manage, and protect these resources with better evidence and clearer documentation.

This opportunity is offered as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement, indicating that the National Park Service would expect substantial involvement in the project as it is carried out, such as coordination on methods, data standards, reporting, and compliance expectations. The funding activity category is listed under Natural Resources, Science and Technology, and other Research and Development, and the CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 15.945. Only public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, which points to an intended applicant pool of universities and similar public academic entities with archaeological expertise and the capacity to conduct field and documentation work in coordination with a federal land management agency.

In terms of scale and timing, the award ceiling for the project is $36,680, with one expected award. The opportunity was created on June 11, 2020, with an original application closing date of June 20, 2020, reflecting a short submission window. Overall, the grant supports a targeted cultural resource initiative in Yellowstone aimed at producing actionable outputs: a more complete archaeological inventory for a sensitive geothermal river corridor, up-to-date condition assessments that can guide stewardship priorities, and NRHP eligibility recommendations that can strengthen long-term protection and management decisions.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Inventory Archaeological Resources, Gardner River Geothermal Area," 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 Jun 11, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 20, 2020. (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 $36,680.00 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.

Apply for P20AS00085

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