The Pooled Monitoring Initiative’s Restoration Research Award Program, managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and its partners, aims to address critical barriers to implementing watershed restoration projects. By funding research, the program seeks to enhance confidence in restoration outcomes, determine optimal conditions for various restoration techniques, explore social science approaches to increasing practice adoption, and provide valuable data to inform regulatory processes and monitoring programs. Key research areas include pollutants of emerging concern, social science studies, and the evaluation of "trade-offs" in restoration efforts. Each year, the program updates its research priorities in the Request for Proposals (RFP) based on emerging needs and ongoing findings.
Funding is available for research projects designed to answer one or more of the key questions listed in the RFP. Both nonprofit and for-profit entities, including academic institutions and organizations, are eligible to apply. Funding for literature reviews is capped at $50,000, while there is no upper limit for larger research projects. The program has allocated over $1.8 million in total funding, and although matching funds are encouraged, they are not mandatory for applicants.
The application process is conducted through an online system managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Interested applicants can attend an online information session scheduled for January 7, 2025, from 12 PM to 1 PM EST, to learn more about the program and its requirements. Registration for the session is available via a provided Zoom link.
Questions about the application process can be directed to program managers Sadie Drescher and Scott Lopez via email or phone. Applicants are advised to consult the RFP for detailed guidance on research priorities and submission requirements. By addressing these key restoration challenges, the program seeks to support evidence-based practices and foster progress in watershed restoration across the Chesapeake Bay region.
