Partners for Fish and Wildlife 2012

the TNC-designated Money Hill Conservation Area via herbicide treatment of exotic cogon grass, and initiation of prescribed fire. The affected property owners have been contacted, given a general description of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, and have agreed to be cooperators. TNC intends to contract and/or supervise the implementation of these activities with the landowners on the Money Hill Conservation Area.TNC is a non-profit conservation organization specializing in wetland purchase/protection/restoration projects. TNC has worked extensively with the Service on wetland purchase/protection/restoration endeavors throughout Louisiana. TNC’s Louisiana activities have complimented the Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and other wetland restoration programs on private lands. Wildlife habitat improvement practices will include treatment of cogon grass patches found throughout the Money Hill Conservation Area. Cogon grass cannot be killed in just one treatment, so an initial and a follow-up treatment are budgeted for the first year of this program. The second habitat improvement practice includes the reintroduction of prescribed fire into the project area. Fire plays a vital role in all the natural communities found within the management area, and it is arguably the most productive tool used to restore grassland and longleaf savannah ecosystem health, thereby improving wildlife habitat quality. Federal trust species expected to benefit include the red-cockaded woodpecker, Henslow’s sparrows, Bachman’s sparrows, other grassland songbirds, forest-adapted songbirds, raptors, and species of concern such as indigo snake and gopher frogs. Specifically TNC will: 1) Hire contractors or utilize staff/volunteers to treat cogon grass patches with appropriate herbicides (at least two treatments), (2) Utilize TNC crews or use TNC NWCG-certified burn personnel to conduct prescribed burns on the project area, (3) Reseed portions of the Cogon grass control area with native grasses/forbs for erosion control purposes as necessary, (4) Ensure appropriate federal, state and local permits and authorizations are obtained prior to beginning work, and that the project is in compliance with all applicable state, local and federal laws (including NWCG burning guidelines). Period of performance is from date of the award to June 15, 2017. Estimated Award Date is September 20, 2012. The Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2, paragraph 2.14 (B) (4) , which allows for award to a applicant who is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on technical expertise. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed assistance is solely within the discretion of the awarding agency. This Notice of Intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Questions concerning this announcement should be directed to Andrew Dolan , who may be reached at (337) 291-3119 or Janice McNeill, Contract Specialist at (404) 679-4056 or via email at janice_mcneill@fws.gov