Landscape Change Detection with National Inventory and Monitoring Networks in support of Landscape Dynamics Monitoring- GLKN | NPS NOIP17AC00585

Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP17AC00585

The Landscape Change Detection with National Inventory and Monitoring Networks in support of Landscape Dynamics Monitoring (GLKN) opportunity is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement designed to strengthen how the NPS Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) networks detect and track landscape change over time. The award centers on improving and modernizing a proven change-detection approach called LandTrendr, originally developed at Oregon State University (OSU) by Robert Kennedy, and on updating a related validation tool called TimeSync. In practical terms, the grant is meant to keep long-term landscape monitoring programs running smoothly as software platforms and computing practices evolve, while also making these methods easier for others outside the NPS to use.

The core objective is to advance the research and operational capabilities behind change detection that the I&M networks already depend on for long-term monitoring. LandTrendr is used to identify and characterize landscape disturbances and trends from satellite imagery time series, which is critical for understanding events like vegetation change, disturbance footprints, and recovery patterns across park landscapes. Because the I&M networks rely on this workflow for consistent, repeatable monitoring, the agreement focuses on ensuring the tools do not become outdated or difficult to run as technology shifts. A major modernization described in the opportunity is moving LandTrendr workflows toward cloud computing, specifically through Google Earth Engine, which is expected to increase processing speed, reduce the need for local data storage at network offices, and remove the requirement for high-end local computing hardware.

A second major component is TimeSync, a companion stand-alone program developed at OSU that is used to validate disturbances identified by LandTrendr. Validation is essential in change detection work because it helps confirm whether algorithm-detected changes are real and correctly interpreted. The opportunity notes that TimeSync needs an upgrade to remain compatible with current Windows operating systems, specifically calling out Windows 10 compatibility. Keeping this validation tool functional helps ensure the monitoring outputs remain credible and scientifically defensible over time.

The statement of work spells out what OSU, as the recipient, is expected to deliver. First, OSU will provide the computer code needed to run LandTrendr through Google Earth Engine, along with a documented workflow explaining how to use it in that environment. Second, OSU will provide code that converts LandTrendr output products from raster-based change maps into polygon features representing areas of change, which is a common need for reporting, mapping, and integrating results into GIS-based planning and management workflows. Third, OSU will deliver an updated version of TimeSync that works on Windows 10 and will produce clear documentation on how to install and run the updated TimeSync software, supporting consistent adoption across staff and offices.

NPS responsibilities emphasize collaboration rather than simply receiving a finished product. NPS staff will support development, testing, and deployment of the tools and code produced by OSU, helping ensure the outputs match real operational monitoring needs. NPS will also provide training data required to test and validate the code and software tools, which is important for checking accuracy, usability, and performance under real conditions. Beyond development, NPS commits to helping distribute the tools, code, and process knowledge to the public, reflecting an intent to broaden the impact beyond internal NPS users. NPS also plans to orient park natural resource managers and other interested I&M staff to the improved tools, which supports wider uptake and makes it more likely the updated workflows become standard practice across parks and networks.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, using a cooperative agreement instrument, which typically indicates substantial involvement by the federal agency in carrying out the project. The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NPS NOIP17AC00585) was created May 17, 2017, with an original closing date of May 31, 2017. It listed an award ceiling of $250,000 and anticipated a single award. The activity aligns with education, environment, natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development categories, and is associated with CFDA 15.945. Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a targeted effort to keep key satellite-based landscape change monitoring tools current, faster, easier to run, and more broadly accessible, while protecting continuity in long-term NPS monitoring programs.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education, environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Landscape Change Detection with National Inventory and Monitoring Networks in support of Landscape Dynamics Monitoring- GLKN" 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 17, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 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 $250,000.00 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).

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