BLM (Arizona), CESU BLM YFO LOWER GILA RIVER VEGETATION MAPPING

The purpose of modification 000001 is to add the BLM_2016_LiDAR_FJW All Other Terms and Conditions Remain Unchanged *********************************************** Description of Program and/or Project a. Background: The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Network is a national consortium of federal agencies, academic institutions, tribal, state, and local governments, nongovernmental conservation organizations (300 partners). The Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) is a cooperative network, transcending political and institutional boundaries, which creates innovative opportunities for research, education, and technical assistance in support of the management and stewardship by partner agencies of the CESUâ¿¿s natural, cultural, and social resources. The CESU has a unique collaborative relationship with research scientists, end users of research products, the public, and educators who are trained to bridge the gap between researchers, science users and educators. The Yuma Field Office includes many acres along the lower Colorado and Gila Rivers. Extensive damming and conversion to upland has re-characterized the lands along the river that once were natural system, but are now dominated by invasive species. An increase in wildland fires in these areas also greatly affect the reduction in native vegetation and increase in invasive species. Rehabilitation efforts to improve sites offer migratory birds and other wildlife species native habitat for foraging and potential nesting. As part of the planning efforts to continue restoration within the YFO, interpretation and ground truthing of LiDar mapping and other remote sensing techniques will help, outline future threatened and endangered species habitat along the lower Gila River. b. Objectives: The principle purpose of this agreement is to improve wildlife habitat by offering properly functioning native riparian habitats along the lower Gila River. Wildlife habitat improvement projects increases partnerships, public involvement, and prime native riparian habitat within degraded and minimally functioning systems. The objective of this agreement is for the public to gain an appreciation for wildlife and their habitats within Arizona so that wildlife are available for future generations to enjoy. The efforts by Federal, state, and private partners along the Gila River will ensure the improvement of riparian systems within current degraded and minimally functioning systems.