In 2005, the LTER program at NSF supported 15 continuing awards and nine renewal projects as a result of a panel held in April 2004 (seven in the Directorate of Biological Sciences (BIO), two in the Directorate of Social and Behavioral Sciences). Total NSF core funding for the LTER program in FY05 was $22.2 million, with $17.2 million (78 percent) coming from BIO.
Additional, important support for a range of peripheral and/or new activities at LTER sites is made possible through a very active and dynamic supplement program. Funding from DEB for this program has been level over the past several years at $1.96 million, including the (REU), Schoolyard LTER, and other discretionary components. Historically, a number of other programs in NSF also provide supplement funds (e.g., amounting to more than 60 percent in FY05), so that DEB support is highly leveraged. Supplement funding in 2005 was limited to educational supplements, but at an increased total of $660,000 from BIO (an 83 percent increase). In 2005, however, only Schoolyard (K-12) activities were supported.
Michelle Kelleher, Science Assistant, BIO/DEB, NSF