Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Assessment for Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida

Background
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), specifically the Fort Worth District, is issuing this grant opportunity for the Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Assessment in Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida. This project is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000, aimed at restoring the South Florida ecosystem. The goal of this grant is to assess and monitor tree island habitats, which are critical for wildlife and have significant ecological and cultural importance.

Grant Details
The project involves several key tasks:

1) Conduct a Project Initiation Meeting within 15 business days post-award to outline project tasks and methodologies;

2) Perform wildlife surveys using both passive and active monitoring techniques to assess wildlife usage on tree islands;

3) Analyze data to develop a Tree Island Wildlife Habitat Index;

4) Assist in creating a System Status Report that evaluates tree islands' status in relation to CERP goals;

5) Participate in RECOVER Regional Team meetings and workshops to provide updates on project progress.

The minimum number of tree islands to be surveyed is thirty, representing various vegetative communities under different hydrological conditions.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants should hold a PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field with direct experience in wildlife monitoring in the Everglades. Preference will be given to those with expertise in Everglades ecology and knowledge of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Period of Performance
The base period of performance will last for 12 months from the date of award, with potential for two additional 12-month follow-on periods based on funding availability.

Grant Value
Approximately $200,000 is expected to be available for the base period. Additional funding may be provided for optional tasks or follow-on work in subsequent years.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will take place within Water Conservation Area 3 and Everglades National Park, Florida.