Description
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 Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (DSCESU) 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 Desert Southwestâ¿¿s natural, cultural, and social resources. The DSCESU 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. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) consists of two awards, described below as projects 1 and 2. Project 1: 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. The Mittry Lake Fire in 2015 burned acres of native marsh and riparian habitat. This area is home to the largest population of the Federally endangered Yuma clapper rail. The native riparian habitat also provides migratory habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher. The Mittry Lake ESR Plan outlines replacing what was lost in the fire in order to provide the much needed habitat to these and other wildlife species. Project 2: The Yuma Field Office manages many acres within the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts. Recreation, renewable energy and development have led to the decrease in desert habitats. Within these deserts live the Flat-tailed Horned Lizard (FTHL), currently a California proposed listed species, and many other upland species. Monitoring, collecting, and analyzing data, are key to creating recommendations for future management strategies to state and Federal agencies within Arizona and California. b. Objectives: Project 1: The principle purpose of this agreement is to improve wildlife habitat by offering properly functioning native riparian habitats along the lower Colorado and Gila Rivers. 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 Mittry Lake Fire Emergency Stabilization Plan directly relates to the Yuma Resource Management Plan and associated Biological Opinion for improving degraded habitats, replacing what was lost by wildland fires and extending habitat resources so that the public can enjoy those species in which it utilizes. Project 2: The principle purpose of this agreement is to improve wildlife habitat by offering properly functioning wildlife habitat within the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts. 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 and California so that wildlife are available for future generations to enjoy. The FTHL Interagency Committeeâ¿¿s Resource Management Strategy directly relates to the Yuma Resource Management Plan and associated Biological Opinion for improving degraded habitats, replacing what was lost by development and extending habitat resources so that the public can enjoy those species in which it utilizes.