Overview: Per the Riparian and Estuarian/Beach Biological Opinion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP) is required to monitor nesting activity of the California least tern (LETE) and western snowy plover (SNPL) which are two federally listed endangered species. This research involves field investigations including observations and documentation of LETE and SNPL behavior, nesting chronology and chick banding. These studies are used to evaluate ongoing LETE and SNPL management practices, specifically military training, predation and vegetation management practices. Specific objectives of this research opportunity include:
1. Conducting surveys and monitor the nesting success of California least tern and western snowy plover at all existing potential breeding sites.
a. Surveys shall be conducted by foot and/or vehicle or visual surveys to monitor the nesting activity and success and to document foraging and roosting areas on MCBCP.
b. Surveys are to be conducted at least two (2) times per week from the start of the tern and plover breeding season (1 March) and continue through 15 September, or until breeding season is determined to be complete whichever is later.
c. Monitors will document courtship behavior and nesting activity sufficiently to be able to describe the breeding season chronology, roosting locations of adults and fledglings, general use of nesting sites by LETE and SNPL and to document the presence and activity of potential mammalian and avian predators.
d. Work may be conducted during early morning (0530-0900) and evening (1700-2100) hours.
2. Data shall be collected on LETE/SNPL site arrival/departure times, presence/absence of LETE/SNPL (number of adults, chicks/fledglings and nests if present), breeding status of each breeding individual/nest, unusual behavior patterns, inter-specific encounters, bands observes (when possible), and any other parameters that the Cooperator or Government agree will contribute to the management of the species.
a. Banding will occur on as many tern and plover chicks as necessary to accomplish project objectives.
b. Fledgling counts will be conducted to develop an accurate fledgling survey methodology, utilizing if necessary alternate methodologies such as telemetry or mark recapture to estimate reproductive success.
c. Methods to estimate breeding population size, daily fledgling survival rate, effects of vegetation density on site selection, nest success and documented causes of nest failure will be provided
3. The Cooperator shall produce a report that summarizes and analyzes the data collected to assess population trends and breeding success rates.
a. Report shall contain documenting photographs, including all sites, techniques, methodologies and any significant events.
4. The Cooperator shall maintain/reestablish the census grid for all tern colonies using a grid scale of 15m, 25m, or 30m per unit, depending on the colony size, and conduct minor fence maintenance.
The overall purpose of this cooperative agreement is to monitor and document the nesting and behavior activity of California least terns and western snowy plovers. All work supports fulfillment of the requirements of the Riparian and Estuarian/Beach Biological Opinion on MCBCP.
Estimated total funding: $1,645,849.00 (if all option years and items are awarded) Estimates Number of Awards: (1)
Item
Anticipated Funding
Base Period LETE (14 months)
$265,769.00
Option Year 1 LETE (Additional Field Year 2027)
$271,178.00
Option Year 2 LETE (Additional Field Year 2028)
$276,685.00
Option Year 3 LETE (Additional Field Year 2029)
$282,285.00
Option Year 4 LETE (Additional Field Year 2030)
$288,019.00
Base Period Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)
$50,319.00
Option Year 1 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)
$51,304.00
Option Year 2 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)
$52,331.00
Option Year 3 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)
$53,381.00
Option Year 4 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)
$54,578.00
Total Potential Value:
$1,645,849.00
Background
The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) is issuing this funding opportunity to monitor federally listed beach-nesting birds at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP), California. This initiative is mandated by the Riparian and Estuarian/Beach Biological Opinion, which requires monitoring of the California least tern (LETE) and western snowy plover (SNPL), both of which are federally listed endangered species. The goal of this grant is to conduct research that evaluates ongoing management practices affecting these species, particularly in relation to military training, predation, and vegetation management.
Grant Details
The tasks under this cooperative agreement include:
1. Conducting surveys to monitor nesting success of LETE and SNPL at all potential breeding sites on MCBCP. Surveys will be conducted by foot and/or vehicle at least twice a week from March 1 through September 15 or until the breeding season is deemed complete. Monitors will document courtship behavior, nesting activity, roosting locations, and predator presence.
2. Collecting data on site arrival/departure times, presence/absence of LETE/SNPL, breeding status, unusual behaviors, and other relevant parameters. Banding of chicks will occur as necessary, along with fledgling counts to estimate reproductive success using various methodologies.
3. Producing a comprehensive report analyzing collected data to assess population trends and breeding success rates, including photographs and documentation of methodologies used.
4. Maintaining the census grid for tern colonies using specified grid scales and conducting minor fence maintenance.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include any Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Californian cooperative partner who qualifies under the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations (DoDGARs) Part 34 or 2 CFR 200. Cost sharing is not required.
Period of Performance
The period of performance includes a base period of 14 months starting from the date of award, with four optional years for additional field monitoring depending on fund availability.
Grant Value
$1,645,849 total estimated funding if all option years and items are awarded. The anticipated funding for the base period is $265,769 with additional amounts allocated for each option year.
Place of Performance
The work will be performed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton located in San Diego County, California.
