Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

University of California

Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Past Opportunities

Undergraduate conservation research program funding

The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation seeks short Letters of Interest (LOIs) from organizations interested in developing and managing a new undergraduate conservation research program aimed at increasing the diversity of the conservation workforce. The program will emphasize rigorous research experiences and include field work opportunities, cohort building activities, career training, and multiyear engagement. LOIs should outline the institution's vision for the program and make a case for why it is qualified to establish and manage it. Based on a review of the LOIs received, the Foundation will invite a small number of organizations to submit a full proposal. The Foundation anticipates awarding one grant providing up to $500,000 a year for three years to support a single nationwide program that will draw students from multiple academic institutions in the U.S.

LOIs must be submitted to the Foundation by 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 13, 2012. For the full text of the LOI announcement, please visit http://www.ddcf.org/Programs/Environment/Funding-Opportunities/

Secretary Announces Climate Science Funding

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced funding of more than $10 million awarded by Interior's regional Climate Science Centers to universities or other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.

The 69 studies at eight climate science centers focus on how climate change will affect natural resources. For example, various projects identify how sea-level rise will affect coastal resources, how climate will affect vegetation, how these changes will affect valued species such as sage grouse, and how changes in water availability will affect both people and ecosystems—and ecosystem services such as fisheries. Several studies address the potential effects on resources of concern to Native Americans, some by using traditional ecological knowledge to advance adaptation planning.

The studies will be undertaken by teams of scientists from the universities that comprise each CSC, from USGS science centers, and from other partners such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USDA Forest Service, Indian tribes, and the Landscape Conservation Cooperatives in each region.

More information.

San Clemente Island Land Snail Survey

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Commander Navy Region Southwest which provides professional and technical support for its Natural Resources Program in order to facilitate successful implementation of the Sikes Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Approximately $23,000 is expected to be available to support this project.

The objective of this project is to conduct field surveys to determine distribution and population status of native snails and non-native snails on San Clemente Island, CA. Surveys shall document presence/absence, habitat associations, and habitat specific densities that may be used for population estimates. Surveys/sampling shall occur at four historic sampling locations (in Wilson Cove sage scrub, stabilized sand dunes, maritime desert succulent scrub on the west shore, and scrub habitat near Mt Thirst area) and a sufficient number of additional sites to get a current assessment of presence/absence and densities throughout SCI’s major vegetation communities and use areas. Reporting will map and summarize results/findings along with any recommendations to maintain/conserve native land snail biodiversity and avoid any greater special status designation for SCI species

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 28 Aug 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Methods and Mechanisms of Scot’s Broom Control in Forest Plantations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project, to be funded by Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), which will provide professional and technical support to JBLM’s Forestry Branch to facilitate successful reforestation. Approximately $47,500 is expected to be available to support this project (contingent upon availability of funds). Additional funding may be available to the successful Recipient/Awardee for follow-on work in subsequent fiscal years.

The question of interest is: What treatment method, or combination of treatment methods, is most effective for Scot’s broom control in terms of reduction in Scot’s broom and positive effects on conifer seedling growth?

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 13 August 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Island Night Lizard Post-delisting Monitoring Plan, San Clemente Island, CA

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Develop and field test a post delisting monitoring plan for island night lizard on Naval Base Coronado, San Clemente Island.

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 13 Aug 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Dune Restoration Plan Implementation, Naval Base Coronado, San Diego CA

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Implement the Navy’s Dune Enhancement and Avian Management Plan for NBC Silver Strand Training Complex

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 10 Aug 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH FOR HEADSTARTING AGASSIZ’S DESERT TORTOISES (GOPHERUS AGASSIZII) AT MCAGCC, THE MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER (MCAGCC), TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Department of the Navy (DoN) to monitor and manage Agassiz’s Desert tortoise populations on MCAGCC in accordance with the conservation measures of MCAGCC’s Basewide Biological Opinion (USFWS 1-8-99F-41) and Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (MCAGCC 2007). The authority for this Cooperative Agreement is 16 USC §670c-1 (Sikes Act).

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: The primary objective is to continue implementing MCAGCC-NREA’s head start program for G. agassizii. This will entail continuing to monitor females for their eggs, health and survivorship, monitoring the development and survivorship of their offspring at TRACRS, and maintaining the integrity of TRACRS infrastructure, vegetation and soil conditions for superior survival and growth of the young tortoises. These requirements are indicated in the following items 1, 2 & 3 and will be performed in the base year and each option year. Fundamental research is inherent in these processes, but additional research related to headstart efficacy may be performed. This research, suggested in items 4 to 7, are options contingent upon weather, growth & survival of headstart juveniles, and additional funding in this or ensuing years.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Benthic Habitat Mapping, Point Mugu Sea Range – San Nicolas Island

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by NAVAIR which provides professional and technical support for its Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan in order to facilitate successful implementation of the Sikes Act. Approximately $970,000 is expected to be available to support this project.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: This research focuses on the following objectives: Objective 1: Collect Benthic Habitat Data - The Recipient shall collect high resolution benthic habitat data using a Reson 7125 multibeam sonar system and a SEA SwathPlus interferometric bathymetric sidescan sonar aboard appropriate surface platforms to allow habitat mapping from the shoreline to a distance of 3 nautical miles from shore around SNI and Begg Rock. Objective 2: Process Raw Data and Prepare GIS Data Layers – The Recipient shall process collected data and prepare GIS data layers. Period of Performance. 30 Sept 12.

Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A12 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph. 817.886.1708 email: Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil fax. 817.886.6499 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 20 June 12. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Web-Based Conceptual Model for Urban Stream Systems

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL) under the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP). The work is in support of research into the restoration of aquatic ecosystems in urban environments. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available to support this project for fiscal Year 2012. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: The objectives of this work effort are to 1) investigate the physical, chemical and biological response of streams to urbanization, 2) evaluate alternative schemes for the characterization of urban streams, including regional differentiation, 3) compile relevant literature and data regarding the above, and 4) develop a set of conceptual models to support urban stream restoration.

Native Seed Collection and Propagation, Site Selection, Outplanting, and Maintenance, of Native Habitat Restoration Sites and Erosion Control, Habitat Restoration Naval Base Coronado Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Botany Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $292,725 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Brief Description of Anticipated Work: Provide seed collection, propagation, and outplanting of species native to San Clemente Island (SCI) to enhance habitat for federally listed and other sensitive plants and wildlife. (2) Control erosion where it negatively impacts sensitive natural resources, and augment rare plant populations. (3) Support other elements of the SCI Botany Program and implement provisions of the SCI Fire Management Plan through collection of fuel moisture data and fire mapping. Elements of the seed collection, propagation, site selection outplanting, and maintenance include:(1) collection of seeds from plants native to SCI, including rare taxa; (2) propagation of seed and vegetative material in an on island greenhouse; (3) habitat restoration on sites identified by the Navy to support the San Clemente loggerhead shrike and other sensitive species; (4) outplanting of native plants for additional purposes (such as erosion control); (5) ecological data collection; (6) weed control; and (7)support of other elements of the SCI Botany Program as defined in this Agreement. Elements of the erosion control including habitat restoration include: (1) site preparation; (2) seed; (3)plants; (4) outplanting; (5) erosion control materials; (6) maintenance and monitoring; and (7) habitat restoration. The erosion control sites are designated high priority sites. The maintenance period shall be for one year from completion of installation of erosion control material or plants, whichever is later.

Review of Statements Received: Based on a review of the Statements of Interest received, an investigator or investigators will be invited to prepare a full study proposal. Statements will be evaluated based on the investigator’s specific experience and capabilities in areas related to the study requirements.

San Clemente Island Fox Population and Sentinel Monitoring, San Clemente Island, CA

This project will conduct: I. 2012 San Clemente Island fox population monitoring (including blood sample collection), assist with fox vaccinations (during trapping), analyze 2012 fox monitoring data, and provide a comparison of 2012 data to the cumulative data set analyzed in 2010-2011. II. Sentinel fox monitoring in support of fox conservation, and reporting to and coordination with the Installation Biologist/NBC Representative on sentinel fox monitoring in support of epidemic disease avoidance.

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 17 May 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

San Clemente Island Fox Population and Sentinel Monitoring, San Clemente Island, CA

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 17 May 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Naval Base Point Loma Ocean-side Subtidal Marine Vertebrate and Invertebrate Inventory

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) which is conducting a baseline marine invertebrate and vertebrate survey of waters near NBPL. Approximately $82,000 is expected to be available to support this project.

The goal is to design and implement scientifically valid monitoring program. This work will involve: 1) Conduct field surveys for marine invertebrates (with a focus on green and pink abalone) and fish species occurring in the adjacent to NBPL. 2) Conduct field surveys to characterize subtidal habitat. 2) Develop methods for data analysis. 3) Write-up the analyses, and program recommendations with solid scientific justification. 4) Collect and analyze data and prepare report. 5) Create GIS maps of project site including surveyed areas data.

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 2 May 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Predator Management and Control for California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni, LETE), Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, SNPL) and Riparian Habitats at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California.

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Marine Corps which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Programs in order to facilitate compliance with ESA. Approximately $100,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

The purpose of the anticipated work is to manage predators on two federally listed species; the federally listed endangered LETE and federally listed threatened SNPL and their nests. The goal is to control and/or depress predator populations in order to minimize predation pressure, particularly during the breeding season to aid in the recovery and conservation of these species, as required under the 1995 Biological Opinion (FWS-1-6-95-F-02) on the Programmatic Activities and Conservation Plans in Riparian and Estuarine/Beach Ecosystems on Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Predator control field activities occur primarily during the breeding season, March through September, but work outside of the breeding season will be required for the protection of riparian habitats. The cooperator shall manage predators using methods and equipment prescribed by Federal and State laws and Marine Corps policies. The Cooperator shall be responsible for the selection, development and construction of all predator trapping and management techniques/methods.

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 30 March 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

National Park Service Vacancy Announcement: GS-12 Ecologist/Botanist - Vegetation Management Specialist

The Biological Resource Management Division's (BRMD) Restoration and Adaptation Branch is recruiting for an inter-disciplinary GS-12 Botanist (GS-0430) / Plant Ecologist (GS-0408) Vegetation Management Specialist to be duty stationed in Fort Collins, CO. Activities within the Restoration Branch include providing policy, tools and technical guidance necessary to restore disrupted ecological processes and degraded ecosystems, and to manage ecosystem resources for anticipated impacts of global environmental change. The Branch includes expertise in plant ecology, vegetation inventory, remote sensing, soil ecology, restoration, invasive plant management, and botany. The candidate will apply expertise in plant ecology / botany towards invasive plant management activities, vegetation inventory efforts, plant conservation and restoration projects, issues related to rare, threatened, and endangered plants, and other complex botanical issues that impact park management.

BRMD provides leadership in conservation, preservation, restoration and stewardship for the National Park Service (NPS). The Division provides scientific expertise and technological assistance to support the management and protection of biological resources and related ecosystem processes based on credible and sound science within and adjacent to parks. BRMD staff work with individual parks, the park system, NPS leadership, and public and private partners on emerging biological issues. BRMD is organized into five branches: Development and New Initiatives, Human Dimensions, Restoration and Adaptation, Wildlife Conservation, and Wildlife Health. As a Division within the Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate (NRSS), BRMD maintains offices in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Washington, D.C.

The position is being advertised both for Merit Promotion and all sources consideration:

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/312004700 (All sources announcement)

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/312035500 (Merit promotion announcement)

Open Period: 3/19/2012 to 4/06/2012

Call for Pre-proposals Identification of Potential Projects for the California LCC

The California Landscape Conservation Cooperative (CA LCC) has approximately $500,000 - $800,000 in FY 2012 funds to support collaborative projects that meet the goals and priorities of our partnership. The purpose of the CA LCC is to inform and promote integrated science, natural resource management and conservation to address impacts of climate change and other stressors within and across ecosystems in the CA LCC (see map at http://CaliforniaLCC.org/).

Approximately $500,000 - $800,000 is available – proposals are recommended to request between $25,000 - $100,000. Projects may be one year or more in duration, however, deliverables should be clearly identified for each year, and subsequent years’ funding is subject to successful competition in next year’s solicitation. Any entity capable of entering into an agreement with the Federal government is eligible to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, non-governmental organizations, universities, and local, state or federal agencies.

Each Pre-Proposal should be no longer than 2 pages and submitted by March 26, 2012. More than one pre-proposal may be submitted per organization or entity. Information requested for potential projects is to be provided via a form available through the CA LCC website (http://CaliforniaLCC.org/).

Further information can be found here.

National Park Service Student 12-week Climate Change Internships for 2012

This program provides paid 12-week internships related to various aspects of climate change in national parks - research and monitoring, communication, interpretation and education, adaptive management, mitigation, etc. The internships are for 18 to 25 year olds, and generally have a requirement of undergraduate academic achievement or promise.

This year there are 26 interships in parks and central offices all around the National Park system - including some opportunities locally in California. The internships pay $12/hour in the parks and $14/hour in Washington, D.C. program offices. Most internships are during the summer months, though some will occur in the fall and early winter.

Applications are now being accepted for these positions. The project descriptions, elgibility requirements and application materials are available on the website of our partner, the National Council for Science and Environment: http://ncseonline.org/jobs/Campus-to-Careers

Researcher-in-Residence Program at Denali National Park and Preserve for 2012 or 2013

Established researchers are encouraged to apply to be one of two researchers-in-residence at Denali National Park and Preserve in either 2012 or 2013. Deadline for applicants for either year is March 10, 2012. Information is available at http://www.nps.gov/dena/naturescience/research.htm

Project Title: Predator Management and Control for California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni, LETE) and Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, SNPL) at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California.

The purpose of the anticipated work is to manage predators on two federally listed species; the federally listed endangered LETE and federally listed threatened SNPL and their nests. The goal is to control and/or depress predator populations in order to minimize predation pressure, particularly during the breeding season to aid in the recovery and conservation of these species, as required under the 2010 Biological Opinion (FWS-SDG-O8BO503-09F0517) on the US Navy’s Silver Strand Training Operations on Naval Base Coronado, CA. Predator control field activities shall occur primarily during the breeding season, March through September. The cooperator shall manage predators using methods and equipment prescribed by Federal and State laws and Navy policies. The Cooperator shall be responsible for the selection, development and construction of all predator trapping and management techniques/methods.

Review of Statements of Interest will begin 6 Feb 2012. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

Two Research Fellowship Programs offer Funding for Research in Alaska National Parks.

Two fellowship programs offer up to $8,000 for multiple fellows to conduct research projects in subarctic and arctic national parks, for use over one or two years. The fellowships are most appropriate for graduate students, but others may apply. Deadline for applications is February 15, 2012. Discover Denali Fellowship Program is for work in or near Denali National Park and Preserve. Murie Science and Learning Center Fellowship Program is for work in one or more of the following parks: Denali, Bering Land Bridge, Cape Krusenstern, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Noatak, Wrangell-St. Elias, Yukon-Charley. Non-U.S. citizens may apply. Additional fellowship information is posted at http://www.nps.gov/dena/naturescience/research.htm

Request for Statement of Interest to assist the NPS - Special Park Uses Program with Project Development and Initial Implementation

Project Title:Design, Develop, and Test a mobile-learning (M-Learning) curriculum for National Park Service Special Park Use Program specifically “Cost Recovery”

Responses to this Request for Statement of Interest (RSI) will be used to identify potential collaborators who are National Park Service (NPS) Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partners for a project funded by the National Park Service Learning and Development branch.

The project may draw upon expertise from the fields of Information Technology, Curriculum Design, Distance Learning, Law and Policy, Commercial Filming and Photography, Public Land Management, or comparable fields.

The NPS is requesting information on your interest and qualifications to provide expertise through a collaborative approach where both parties directly benefit from the collaborative process. Following the potential identification of a collaborator on this project the NPS hopes to immediately develop a scope of work governing the collaboration with a selected CESU partner and Principal Investigator and then begin the noted technical consultations. The funding for the consultation portion of this project is available now. The project is foreseen to be broken down as follows:

• Design template for e-learning and/or m-learning • Develop the content in cooperation with the NPS • Test the product • Evaluate the test results for effectiveness • Make appropriate changes for implementation to NPS audiences and university learners

Background, Overview, and Issues: NPS Special Park Uses program permits a variety of uses to take place on park property. This project will focus recovering cost recovery charges and land use fee for these general categories: Commercial Filming and Still Photography, Special Events (examples such as sports, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, and ceremonies), and rights-of-way. Understanding the SPU history, legal authorizes, opportunities, and responsibilities provide crucial understanding to the public agency for processing, education opportunities to university learners in the related field, and possibly to other government and non-governmental entities related to this field of study.

Currently, the Washington D.C. program that oversees the training and compliance in Special Park Uses provides training and employee development through an Instructor Lead Class or Training (ILT). Cost Recovery of SPU is a component to the ILT and in this case is the overarching theme of this e-learning or m-learning project. The sub-themes would be 1- commercial filming and still photography, 2- special events, and 3- rights of way.

This request for statement of interest (RSI) is seeking an overarching proposal for Cost Recovery e-course design and development but will consider the sub-theme proposals as pieces of the whole project (in other words, individual proposals to the subthemes mentioned above).

There is no funding available for proposal preparation, but the intent is to have those assisting in the proposal development serve as the Principle Investigator(s) for the project. The requested project proposal should include:

• development of the proposal introduction and background sections, including a project abstract and statement of project need; • development of specific tasks and associated methodologies to be used in each of the project phases; • development of timeframes for implementation of activities identified for each of the project phases; • development of a detailed project budget that provides information on requested funds and any in-kind/matching contributions with the following six categories (a) Personnel Services Costs(Salary and Benefits), (b) Travel and Transportation Costs , (c) Supplies Costs (d) Equipment Costs, (e) Contractor/Cooperators Costs, and (f) Other Costs (including CESU overhead).

Completion of the proposal will be required by January 31, 2012. Personnel from the NPS Special Park Uses program will be available to answer questions or to provide guidance as needed. Primary point of contact is Lee Dickinson, 202-513-7092, Lee_dickinson@nps.gov , secondary point of contact is Demmy Vigil, 304-535-4023, Demica_vigil@nps.gov . Electronic proposals can be e-mailed to Lee Dickinson, and mailings or electronic media should be sent by Fed-ex to: National Park Service, Attention Lee Dickinson, 1201 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005. Materials Requested for Statement of Interest/Qualifications Please prepare a not to exceed 3 page summary of how you would envision such a collaborative project. Include your name, organization, and contact information, as well as information about any relevant experience, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. You may also include CV’s in your submission package and these are not included in the three page limit. Graduate students are welcome to work on this project under the supervision of the project Principle Investigator (s). Proposals that involve students from under-represented demographic groups will be well received. An initial budget not to exceed our total financing of $45,000 ONPS funding which includes the pre-determined 17.5% overhead is also requested. Please submit electronic statements of interest to Lee Dickinson, 202-513-7092, Lee_dickinson@nps.gov by close of business on January 31, 2012.

Conservation and Management of Micronesian Cycads, Navy Leased Land, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential projects to be funded by Joint Region Guam for immediate care and long-term management of the Micronesian cycad collection on Navy leased lands, Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, (CNMI). Approximately $90,000 is expected to be available to support this project in FY12. Subject to the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341), additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient.

In order to be considered, Statements of Interest shall be submitted no later than 0900 Chamorro standard time on December 19, 2011.

Further information, including where to send Statements of Interest.

2012 National Park Service GMW Climate Change Fellowship Opportunity

The National Park Service's Climate Change Response Program is pleased to announce the launch of the 2012 George Melendez Wright Climate Change Fellowship Program. This program provides financial support for enrolled Masters and Doctoral students conducting research related to climate change in US National Parks, including transboundary issues and comparisons to Mexican and Canadian protected areas. All projects must be relevant to NPS resource management needs, and may be in the broad range of natural, cultural, and social science disciplines.

Applications are due no later than January 18, 2012.

Further information is available at http://coenv.washington.edu/students/melendez_wright/ and in the attached flyer.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2011 Project Title: Develop and Implement Conservation and Management Actions in Support of Recovery Actions for the Mariana Crow and Mariana Fruit Bat on the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential projects to be funded by the Department of the Navy (DoN) in support of recovery actions for the threatened Mariana fruit bat and the endangered Mariana crow on the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Approximately $200,000 is expected to be available to support these projects (contingent upon availability of funds). Subject to the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341), additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient(s).

Please send responses or direct questions to:Andrew J. Wall Acquisition Director NAVFAC Marianas Telephone (671)349-6148 e-mail: andrew.wall@fe.navy.mil Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: We intend to use fiscal year 2011 funds for this project. In order to be considered, Statements of Interest shall be submitted for no later than 0900 Chamorro standard time on September 12, 2011.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST NUMBER PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2011 Project Title: Effects of Military Working Dogs on California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni, LETE) and Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, SNPL) at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California.

Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A12 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph. 817.886.1708 / fax. 817.886.6499 email: Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 22 July 2011. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected.

Request for Statements of Interest NUMBER W9126G-11-2-0040 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2011 Project Title: San Clemente Island Fox Population Monitoring, San Clemente Island, CA

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $176,643 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A14 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph. 817.886.1708 / fax. 817.886.6499 / cell 817.228.4087 email: Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 22 June 11. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until a team is selected..

Native Seed Collection and Propagation, Site Selection, Outplanting, and Maintenance, of Native Habitat Restoration Sites and Erosion Control, Habitat Restoration and Video Update for INRMP Implementation on Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Botany Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $257,072 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A14 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph. 817.886.1708 / fax. 817.886.6499 / cell 817.228.4087 email:Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil.

US Army Corps of Engineers Seeks SOI for Project Title: Inventory and Evaluation of Historic Properties of Chemehuevi Cultural Significance on Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma and La Paz Counties, Arizona

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Army Garrison Yuma which provides professional and technical support for its Cultural Resources Management Program in order to facilitate successful implementation of the Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan. Approximately $154,500 is expected to be available to support this project. Timeline for Review of SOI will begin April 4, 2011 and remain open until an investigator is selected

A more detailed study plan is available from Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District at (817)866-1708 or by email at Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil.

NPS Seeks Investigators for Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Six Desert Parks

Resource management staff at Death Valley NP, Joshua Tree NP, Lake Mead NRA, Manzanar NHS, Mojave NP and Grand Canyon-Parashant NM are seeking investigators to assist in conducting a natural resource condition assessment. This project aims to compile and assess information documenting the state of knowledge and known conditions of selected natural resources at these parks. Up to $420K is available for a project to be completed by November 2013.

A more detailed study plan is available from Robert Bryson at (760) 252-6145 or by email at Robert_Bryson@nps.gov.

Using Fin Ray Geochemistry to Assess Historic White Sturgeon Life History Movements in the Kootenai River

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Corps of Engineers, Seattle District to use pectoral fin ray geochemistry to reconstruct Kootenai River white sturgeon life history migration patterns in the Kootenai River, Montana, downstream of Libby Dam. This insight will provide fisheries managers with information to accurately identify key nursery habitats, estimate migratory movements, and identify historic spawning grounds. Approximately $23,000.00 is expected to be available to support this project for one (1) year.

Please send responses or direct questions to:
Benjamin T. Smithhart
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
ERDC Contracting Office (ECO)
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Benjamin.T.Smithhart@usace.army.mil

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin after the SOI has been posted on the CESU website for 10 working days.

Assessment of Ecological Impacts as a Result of NRCS Wetland Restoration Projects in the Lake Champlain Basin of Vermont.

NRCS and its partners have accelerated wetland restoration efforts in the Lake Champlain Basin under the Wetland Reserve Program. Assessments are needed to better quantify the impacts of these efforts on the re-establishment of natural communities, wildlife, fisheries, and mosquito populations.

Please contact Kip Potter at (802) - 951-6796 x238, or 356 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT 05446. In your response, please indicate which CESU your institution holds a membership.

Development of a comprehensive agronomic fertilization guide based on soil type, soil test, and yield response for agronomic crops grown in the State of Alaska.

Alaska NRCS currently uses Alaska NRCS Agronomy Technical Note 16 to make fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results. Technical Note 16 was developed using available research data from within and outside the state of Alaska and has been successful in providing guidance to develop fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results for agronomic crops in Alaska. Currently no document has been developed to correlate crop yield response to specific fertilizer inputs for Alaska crops.

Please contact Helen Denniston at helen.denniston@ak.usda.gov, by phone at (907) - 761-7756, or at 800 W Evergreen, Suite 100. Palmer, AK 99645

STATEMENTS OF INTEREST PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2011 Project Title: Gravel Monitoring/Placement and Large Woody Debris Study

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District (Corps) to study/monitor the placement and movement of spawning gravels and to study the presence and movement of streamwood or Large Woody Debris in the Yuba River downstream of Englebright Dam. Approximately $155,000 is expected to be available to support this project for 2 years for gravel monitoring. Additional funding for the Large Woody Debris project may be available in the subsequent 2-3 fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please send responses or direct questions to: Benjamin T. Smithhart U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) ERDC Contracting Office (ECO)3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180 Benjamin.T.Smithhart@usace.army.mil Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin after the SOI has been posted on the CESU website for 10 working days.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST NUMBER W9126G-11-2-SOI-0046 PROJECT TO BE INITIATED IN 2011 Project Title: Multivariate evaluation of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) density and distribution in relationship to soil, terrain and climate variation at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, California

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs to help implement the INRMP, Desert Tortoise Management Plan and the conservation measures of the Basewide Biological Opinion for Desert Tortoises. Approximately $107,000 is expected to be available to support this project (contingent upon availability of funds). Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A14 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph.817.886.1708 email: Jack.E.Mobley@usace.army.mil cell 817.228.4087 fax. 817.886.6499 Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 19 Aug 2011. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

NPS & TNC Seeks Investigators to Document Terrestrial Invertebrate Diversity at Channel Islands National Park

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the National Park Service (NPS) are requesting information on the interest and qualifications of a potential academic partner to collaborate on a project to document and quantify terrestrial invertebrate species diversity in study plots on Santa Cruz Island, CA. Responses to this request will be used to identify potential collaborators for a project that will be funded by TNC and NPS. A portion of the funding originated with the State Coastal Conservancy of California, thus the academic institution must adhere to the pass-though requirements of the state grant. TNC and NPS will provide financial assistance to the partner on a reimbursable basis in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The final award amount will be dependent on final approved project budget and determination of available funds.

Based on interest and responses received, TNC and NPS will select partner(s) to assist with developing a study plan and formal agreement. Written Statements of Interest are due by March 31, 2011. We would welcome a consolidated application from a team of experts in diverse invertebrate taxa. TNC and NPS hope to select partner(s) in April 2011, finalize a full study proposal by April or May 2011, initiate field work around May or June 2011, and finish the project by February 1, 2012.

Please send responses and queries to Christina Boser by email at cboser@tnc.org, or by phone at (805) 642-0345 ext. 510.

San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Monitoring and Release Project, San Clemente Island, CA

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $948,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to jack.e.mobley@usace.army.mil by

Name, Organization and Contact Information
Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
1. Biographical Sketch,
2. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
3. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
4. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

Note: A full study proposal and proposed budget are NOT requested at this time.
Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 19 Jan 2011. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected. Please send responses or direct questions to: USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD Environmental Resources Planner US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District CESWF-PER-EE 819 Taylor Street, Rm 3A14 Fort Worth, TX 76102-0300 ph. 817.886.1708 email: jack.e.mobley@usace.army.mil

San Clemente Sage Sparrow Monitoring and Research, San Clemente Island, CA

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $204,900 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to jack.e.mobley@usace.army.mil by

Name, Organization and Contact Information
Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
1. Biographical Sketch,
2. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
3. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
4. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

Predator Research and Ecosystem Management

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and compliance with ESA. Approximately $690,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Please provide the following via e-mail attachment to jack.e.mobley@usace.army.mil by

Name, Organization and Contact Information
Brief Statement of Qualifications (including):
1. Biographical Sketch,
2. Relevant past projects and clients with brief descriptions of these projects,
3. Staff, faculty or students available to work on this project and their areas of expertise,
4. Any brief description of capabilities to successfully complete the project you may wish to add (e.g. equipment, laboratory facilities, greenhouse facilities, field facilities, etc.).

NPS San Francisco Bay Area Parks Seek Investigators for Collaborative Research

National Park Service (NPS) units in the San Francisco Bay Area are requesting information on the interest and qualifications of potential academic partners to collaborate in development and execution of research and technical assistance projects in support of natural resource stewardship. In the fall of each year NPS units compete for multiple sources of internal agency funding in support of natural resource stewardship activities, including research.

Please submit electronic pre-proposals and supporting material to ben_becker@nps.gov by 14 September 2010.
Note:If you are interested in working with other NPS units in California beyond the ones listed in this outreach or have other questions related to research in California National Parks please contact Dr. Angie Evenden, NPS Research Coordinator at the Californian CESU at (510) 643-0665 or angela_evenden.nps.gov

Climatic Monitoring Program On San Clemente Island

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Program in order to facilitate successful implementation of the ESA. Approximately $33,200 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee. This Scope of Work outlines specifications for professional services, labor and materials supplied for the continuing operation and maintenance of a Climatic Monitoring Program at San Clemente Island (SCI), California.

Deadline: Review of Statements of Interest will begin 20 Aug 2010.This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected. Please send responses or direct questions to:
USACE Lead: Jack Mobley, PhD
Environmental Resources Planner
US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District

Black Abalone Survey On San Clemente Island

The Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by U.S. Navy which provides professional and technical support for its Endangered Species Biology Programs in order to facilitate successful implementation of the INRMP and ESA. Approximately $76,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee. Black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii Leach, 1814) was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in January 2009 (74 FR 1937) and designation of critical habitat in southern California is currently underway. Recently, the Navy requested an exemption from designation of critical habitat on San Clemente Island (SCI) from the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Assessing the ecological role of fire in four vegetation communities in Zion National Park

Northern Colorado Plateau I&M Network (NCPN), Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program
June 2010

The The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting information on the interest and qualifications of potential investigators to complete an ecosystem assessment of the ecological role of fire in four vegetation communities in Zion National Park. This project will be funded by the NPS at $50,000. A detailed budget breakdown is NOT requested at this time.

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due to Cathy Schwemm, NPS-NCPN, by COB on June 18, 2010. The investigator(s) will be selected by June 25, 2010.

Assessing the ecological condition of the reservoirs of the Aspinall Unit, Curecanti National Recreation Area

Northern Colorado Plateau I&M Network (NCPN), Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program
May 2010

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting information on the interest and qualifications of potential investigators to complete an ecosystem assessment for three reservoirs within Curecanti National Recreation Area, the major tributaries to the reservoirs, particularly the Gunnison River, and the nearshore and upland species that wholly or partially dependent on the freshwater resource provided by the reservoirs.

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due to Cathy Schwemm, NPS-NCPN, by COB on June 11, 2010. The investigator(s) will be selected by June 18, 2010.

American Indian Traditional Cultural Property Study at Crane Flat, Yosemite National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting information on the interest and qualifications of potential partner(s) to assist with a project to complete a formal National Register Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for the Crane Flat Area in Yosemite National Park (YOSE) as an American Indian Traditional Cultural Property (TCP). Responses to this Request for Statement of Interest and Qualifications will be used to identify potential collaborators for a project funded by the National Park Service (NPS). The project may draw upon expertise from the fields of cultural anthropology/ethnography, ethnobotany, ethnohistory, and resource management.

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due by June 14, 2010. The NPS hopes to select partner(s) in June 2010, finalize a full statement of work by early July 2010, initiate project around September 2010, and finish project in 2011.

Assessment Tools For Park-Based Youth Education and Employment Experience Programs - Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area

The National Park Service wishes to conduct this project in collaboration with a partner academic institution and Principal Investigator (PI), under the auspices of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Cooperative Agreement. The NPS will provide financial assistance to the partner on a reimbursable basis in an approximate amount of $25,000. The final award amount will be dependent on final approved project budget and NPS determination of available funds.

Deadline: Review of Statements of Interest will begin on May 5, 2010. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Baseline Plant and Wildlife Survey at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due by Monday June 14, 2010. The NPS hopes to select a partner by the end of June and finalize a study proposal by early July 2010. The project will be initiated around September 2010 and finished by December 2011.

Shallow Saline Aquifer Monitoring Program at Naval Air Station Lemoore

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) which is conducting reevaluation and of its monitoring program for the shallow saline aquifer that underlies the base. Approximately $74,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Awardee.

Deadline: Review of Statements of Interest will begin on April 30, 2010. This Request for Statements of Interest will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Western Pond Turtles at Beale Air Force Base

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by Beale Air Force Base (BAFB) which is conducting an investigation into the range, demographics, and health of Western Pond Turtles at the air base. Approximately $5,000 is expected to be available to support this project. Additional funding may be available for follow on work in subsequent fiscal years to the successful Recipient/Rewardee.

Deadline: Review of Statements of Interest will begin on April 29, 2010. This Request for Statements will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

"Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service located in Southwest Montana, has $41,000 to design and construct a museum-quality exhibit case for its most significant artifact. The 1850s horse-drawn ambulance-style wagon is historically associated with three national parks. It currently sits with other horse drawn vehicles from the site in an historic pole barn with minimal environmental controls. The design would consider protection from dust, pests, vandalism, spikes in temperature and humidity and appropriate light level for preservation and visitor enjoyment. The case would be designed to fit the historic scene and size constraints of the barn. The project would require an initial site visit to gather data, installation of the case in the barn, and placing the wagon on exhibit. The project would be closely coordinated with the site's museum curator."

Western Pond Turtles at Beale Air Force Base

Deadline: Review of Statements of Interest will begin on April 29, 2010. This Request for Statements will remain open until an investigator team is selected.

Past Opportunities

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due by April 30, 2009. Project begins September 1 - send applications ASAP

Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

"The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting information on the interest and qualifications of potential partner(s) to assist with a project to complete a Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). Responses to this request will be used to identify potential collaborator(s) for a project that will be funded by the NPS."

Deadline: Written Statements of Interest are due by April 30, 2009. Project begins September 1 - send applications ASAP

Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

"The National Park Service (NPS) plans to fund a natural resource condition assessment (hereafter, assessment) for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (WRST). Focused on a subset of important park natural resources and resource management topics, the assessment will evaluate and report on current conditions, critical data and knowledge gaps, and highlight some existing and emerging resource condition influences (threats, stressors) of likely concern to WRST managers."

Deadline: Project begins September 1 - send applications ASAP

Presence and Distribution of Mohave Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus mohavensis) on Federal Lands

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for a project to be funded by the Engineering Research Development Center (ERDC). ERDC seeks to document the status and distribution of the Mohave ground squirrels on federal lands within the Mojave Desert and to test and evaluate alternative techniques to detect the presence of Mohave ground squirrels that may be more efficient and cost-effective than live-trapping.

Deadline: CLOSED.

Analysis of 18th century liveways

"Analyzing 18th Century Lifeways in Northwestern Sinaloa and Southwestern Sonora, Mexico for Use by the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail."

Deadline: April 1, 2008

NPS Watershed Condition Assessment

"The goal of the project is to interpret and translate existing scientific information into a form that park managers find useful for supporting park decision making, action, and resource planning. The project will result in a report and set of Geographic Information System (GIS) maps."

Deadline: July 15, 2008

Analysis of 18th century liveways

"An analysis of 18th century liveways in nortwestern Sinaloa & southwestern Sonora, Mexico along portions of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail."

Deadline: January 15, 2008

National Parks Service - Marine Use Study

"Incorporating Social Science into Management of Marine Recreational Uses in National Park"

Deadline: October 26, 2007

Mojave National Preserve

"Experimental Manipulation of Artificial Water Developments in Mojave National Preserve"
Deadline: May 31, 2006

National Park Service

"Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Redwood National and State Parks, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and Oregon Caves National Monument"

Statements of Interest Review Begins May 15, 2006

National Park Service

"Statistical Support for Long-Term Monitoring."

Deadline: May 1, 2006

National Park Service

"Communication strategy for the San Francisco Bay Area Networking Inventory and Monitoring Program of the National Park Service"

Deadline: April 30, 2006