Conserve Wildlife Foundation Of New Jersey Inc

UNDER THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (SERVICE) NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE (NJFO) HAS DESIGNATED CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) AS THE HABITAT OFFSET MANAGER TO DEVELOP AND CARRY OUT HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS TO OFFSET LOSS OF HABITAT FOR FOUR FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES THAT WILL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF REPEATED MAINTENANCE DREDGING OF THE SANDY HOOK CHANNEL BY THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERING (CORPS). IN OCTOBER 2017 THE SERVICE ISSUED A PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION (PBO) COVERING ALL DREDGING AUTHORIZED OR CARRIED OUT BY THE CORPS IN THIS SECTION OF THE SANDY HOOK CHANNEL THROUGH 2038. A BINDING CONSERVATION MEASURE INCLUDED IN THE PBO IS AN OFFSET PLAN. THE OFFSET PLAN PROVIDES THAT THE CORPS WILL TRANSFER FUNDING ASSOCIATED WITH EACH DREDGING CYCLE. EACH FUNDING CYCLE ALLOWS FOR PROJECTS TO BE DEVELOPED OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD AND FUNDING FROM PREVIOUS CYCLES MAY CARRY OVER IF NOT ALREADY SPENT SINCE ACTIVE PROJECTS OR PROJECT PERIODS MAY OVERLAP WITH DIFFERENT DREDGING CYCLES. BUDGETS FOR EACH FUNDING CYCLE ARE BASED ON A FORMULA DEVELOPED BETWEEN NJFO AND CWFNJ. NJFO IS INVOLVED IN EACH STAGE OF PROJECT IDENTIFICATION AND DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING. WE CANNOT FULLY ANTICIPATE THE EXACT PROJECT(S) THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED AT THE TIME THE FUNDING IS MADE AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE PBO

SANDY HOOK CHANNEL HABITAT OFFSET PROGRAM

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE (SERVICE) AND THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWF) ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT THROUGH WHICH CWF WILL ASSIST THE SERVICE IN COMPLETING AT LEAST 10 MUNICIPAL BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS AS WELL AS SURVEYING FOR BIRDS, HERPTILES, AND MAMMALS AND RESTORING APPROXIMATELY 200 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE USING INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL, GRASSLAND RESTORATION, AND WETLAND ENHANCEMENT IN THE PINELANDS, INCLUDING WITHIN THE JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST (JBMDL).

SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION IN LAGOA DO PEIXE

SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION IN BRAZIL AND DELAWARE BAY (6139)

BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING, BIRD SURVEYS, AND HABITAT RESTORATION IN THE PINELANDS

COOP AGRMT BEACH MGMT & HABITAT PINELAND

BALLANGER CREEK ENHANCEMENT (ARRA)

MONITORING OF NESTING ACTIVITIES OF FEDERALLY THREATENED AND STATE ENDANGERED BEACH NESTING BIRDS ON EB FORSYTHER NWR, HURRIANCE SANDY

IDENTIFICATION AND RETRIEVAL OF DERELICT CRAB POTS TO REDUCE BYCATCH OF NOAA TRUST RESOURCES IN BARNEGAT BAY, NEW JERSEY: PHASE TWO

BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND HABITAT RESTORATION IN THE PINELANDS

COOP AGRMNT CWF SANDY HOOK CHANNEL

CWF WILL PLAN AND MANAGE A CAMERA TRAPPING EFFORT IN WETLANDS WHERE STATE BIOLOGISTS HAVE VARYING DEGREES OF CONFIDENCE IN POPULATION ESTIMATES, FOLLOWING STANDARD PHASE 2 VISUAL SURVEYS (CONTROL).

THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE SERVICE AND THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY CWF ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT THROUGH WHICH CWF WILL ASSIST THE SERVICE IN COMPLETING AT LEAST 5 MUNICIPAL BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS AS WELL AS SURVEYING FOR BIRDS HERPTILES AND MAMMALS AND RESTORING APPROXIMATELY 100 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE USING INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL GRASSLAND RESTORATION AND WETLAND ENHANCEMENT WITHIN THE JOINT BASE DIX MCGUIRE LAKEHURST JBDML.

IDENTIFICATION AND RETRIEVAL OF DERELICT CRAB POTS TO REDUCE BYCATCH OF NOAA TRUST RESOURCES IN BARNEGAT BAY, NEW JERSEY

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE AND CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR TASKS RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION OF FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES ON THE BEACHES OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. FUNDING FOR THIS AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, NEW YORK DISTRICT STEMMING FROM A FEDERALLY FUNDED BEACH NOURISHMENT PROGRAM THAT COVERS ALL OF THE COUNTY'S MUNICIPAL BEACHES. THE MAJOR TASKS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT ARE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING, PROTECTIVE FENCING, AND COORDINATION WITH LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS. DELIVERABLE #1 IS AN ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PROGRESS ON 3-5 BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS, INCLUDING COMPLETION OR SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON AT LEAST 2 PLANS. DELIVERABLE #2, ALSO ANNUAL, INCLUDES RAW DATA FOR THE LOCATIONS OF A LISTED PLANT (SEABEACH AMARANTH) AND A COMPANION REPORT DETAILING THE MUNICIPAL COORDINATION AND TEMPORARY FENCING EFFORTS CARRIED OUT TO PROTECT THESE PLANTS FROM DAMAGE BY PEDESTRIAN, VEHICLES, AND MECHANICAL BEACH RAKES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING IS MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS AND STATE/FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF LISTED BEACH SPECIES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM THE PROTECTIVE FENCING IS LONG TERM INCREASES IN THE NUMBERS OF SEABEACH AMARANTH AND EXPANSION OF ITS GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION IN NEW JERSEY. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC (FROM ADVANCING THE RECOVERY OF LISTED SPECIES), LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS (FROM IMPROVED COMMUNICATION/COORDINATION), THE STATE NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCY (FROM INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS), AND THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (FROM SATISFACTION OF LEGAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT).

SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO PROVINCE, CHILE (6355)

IDENTIFY JUVENILE RED KNOT WINTERING AREAS

COOP BOG TURTLE ASSESSMENT RESTORATION

DUNE MANAGEMENT AND ENDANGERED SPECIES MANAGEMENT

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE AND THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR TASKS RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION OF FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES OCCURRING ONBEACHES IN OCEAN AND ATLANTIC AND CAPE MAY COUNTIES IN NEW JERSEY. FUNDING FOR THIS AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT STEMMING FROM A FEDERALLY FUNDED BEACH NOURISHMENT PROGRAM THAT COVERS MOST OF THE MUNICIPAL BEACHES IN THESE THREE COUNTIES. THE MAJOR TASKS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT ARE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PROTECTIVE FENCING AND COORDINATION WITH LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS. DELIVERABLE 1 IS A SUMMARY OF PROGRESS ON 5 TO 7 BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS INCLUDING COMPLETION OR SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON AT LEAST 3 PLANS. DELIVERABLE 2 INCLUDES RAW DATA FOR LOCATIONS OF SEABEACH AMARANTH AND A COMPANION REPORT DETAILING THE MUNICIPAL COORDINATION AND TEMPORARY FENCING EFFORTS CARRIED OUT TO PROTECT THESE PLANTS FROM DAMAGE BY PEDESTRIANS OR VEHICLES OR AND MECHANICAL BEACH RAKES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING IS MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS AND STATE AND FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF LISTED BEACH SPECIES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM PROTECTIVE FENCING IS LONG TERM INCREASES IN THE NUMBERS OF SEABEACH AMARANTH AND EXPANSION OF ITS GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION IN NEW JERSEY. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC FROM ADVANCING RECOVERY OF LISTED SPECIES AND LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS FROM IMPROVED COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION AND THE STATE NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCY FROM INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FROM SATISFACTION OF LEGAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT.

THE E.B. FORSYTHE NWR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BREEDING SITE IN NEW JERSEY FOR THE FEDERAL AND STATE-LISTED PIPING PLOVER, AS WELL AS HAVING REGIONAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SPECIES. IT ALSO PROVIDES ESSENTIAL HABITAT FOR OTHER AT-RISK BEACH NESTING BIRDS. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO TO MONITOR THE DISTRIBUTION, POPULATION, BREEDING SUCCESS, AND CAUSES OF NEST AND BROOD LOSS OF BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT FORSYTHE, PRIMARILY PIPING PLOVER, BUT ALSO LEAST TERN, COMMON TERN, BLACK SKIMMER, AND AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER DURING THE ENTIRE BREEDING SEASON FROM APRIL 1- AUGUST 31. IN ADDITION, VARIOUS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES, INCLUDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF PREDATOR EXCLOSURES, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF NESTING SUCCESS. DATA WILL BE COLLECTED AND CATALOGUED CONSISTENT WITH ESTABLISHED FEDERAL AND STATE PROTOCOLS TO HELP TRACK SPECIES RECOVERY. PUBLIC OUTREACH WILL BE PROVIDED TO ADDRESS RISKS TO THE SPECIES AND EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF REFUGE LANDS IN THEIR CONSERVATION.

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NWR (REFUGE) AND A RECENTLY FORMED ADJACENT ISLAND (HORSESHOE ISLAND) FOR THE 2025 BREEDING SEASON. CWFNJ WILL CONDUCT TASKS INCLUDING 1) NEST SEARCHES 2) NEST AND CHICK MONITORING 3) COLONY COUNTS 4) ASSESSING CAUSES OF NEST FAILURE 5) PREDATOR CONTROL SUPPORT 6) HABITAT AND PREDATOR TRANSECTS 7) DATA COLLECTION AND ENTRY 8) AND PUBLIC OUTREACH AS NEEDED. CWFNJ WILL ENSURE DATA COLLECTED IN THE FIELD IS CORRECT AND ENTERED INTO APPROPRIATE DATABASES. THEY WILL PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE PROGRESS REPORTS DURING THE SEASON AND A FINAL REPORT THAT IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE REFUGE AND ITS PARTNERS. MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSESHOE ISLAND WILL BE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE REFUGE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECTS UNDER THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. SPECIFICALLY THE REFUGE WILL 1) PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO THE MONITORING SITES BY PROVIDING USE OF A REFUGE BOAT 2) WORK WITH CWFNJ TO ESTABLISH THE TIMING OF MONITORING 3) DETERMINING THE SCOPE AND PRIORITY OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENT OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS 4) REVIEW DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT AND SECTION 7 OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ARE MET PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FIELD WORK 5) PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY FOR MONITORING OR MANAGEMENT (E.G. SPOTTING SCOPES OR EXCLOSURES) 6) AND PROVIDE HOUSING FOR CWFNJ STAFF AS AVAILABLE AND NEEDED.

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS ON THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NWR (REFUGE) AND A RECENTLY FORMED ADJACENT ISLAND (HORSESHOE ISLAND) FOR THE 2024 BREEDING SEASON. CWFNJ WILL CONDUCT TASKS INCLUDING 1) NEST SEARCHES 2) NEST AND CHICK MONITORING 3) COLONY COUNTS 4) ASSESSING CAUSES OF NEST FAILURE 5) PREDATOR CONTROL SUPPORT 6) HABITAT AND PREDATOR TRANSECT SURVEYS 7) DATA COLLECTION AND ENTRY 8) PUBLIC OUTREACH AS NEEDED. CWFNJ WILL ASSURE DATA COLLECTED IN THE FIELD IS CORRECT AND ENTERED INTO APPROPRIATE DATABASES. THEY WILL PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE PROGRESS REPORTS DURING THE SEASON AND A FINAL REPORT THAT IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE REFUGE AND ITS PARTNERS. MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSESHOE ISLAND WILL BE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE REFUGE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECTS UNDER THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. SPECIFICALLY THE REFUGE WILL 1) PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO THE MONITORING SITES BY PROVIDING USE OF A REFUGE BOAT 2) WORK WITH CWFNJ TO ESTABLISH THE TIMING OF MONITORING 3) DETERMINE THE SCOPE AND PRIORITY OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENT OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS 4) REVIEW DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE ANY COMPLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OR SECTION 7 OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OR SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ARE MET PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FIELD WORK 5) PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY FOR MONITORING OR MANAGEMENT (E.G. SPOTTING SCOPES AND EXCLOSURES) 6) PROVIDE HOUSING FOR CWFNJ STAFF AS AVAILABLE AND NEEDED.

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWF) TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS ON THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NWR (REFUGE) AND A NEWLY FORMED ADJACENT ISLAND (HORSESHOE ISLAND) FOR THE 2023 NESTING SEASON. CWF WILL CONDUCT TASKS TO INCLUDE NEST SEARCHING, INCUBATION MONITORING, CHICK SEARCHES AND MONITORING, COLONY COUNTS, PREDATOR CONTROL SUPPORT, DATA COLLECTION, DATA ENTRY, AS WELL AS HABITAT AND PREDATOR SURVEYS AND OUTREACH, AS NEEDED. OTHER TASKS WILL INCLUDE ASSURING DATA COLLECTED IN THE FIELD IS CORRECT AND ENTERED INTO ELECTRONIC DATABASES, WRITING PROGRESS REPORTS, SUBMITTING A FINAL REPORT, AND COMPILING AND SENDING ALL NESTING DATA TO FEDERAL AND STATE PARTNERS AT THE END OF THE NESTING SEASON. MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSESHOE ISLAND WILL BE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE ENDANGERED AND NONGAME SPECIES PROGRAM. THE REFUGE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN PROJECTS UNDER THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. INPARTICULAR, THE SERVICE WILL (1) PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO MONITORING AREAS BY PROVIDING THE USE OF REFUGE WATERCRAFT AND FUEL (2) WORK WITH CWF TO ESTABLISH THE TIMING OF MONITORING (3) DETERMINE SCOPE AND PRIORITIZING PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENT OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS (4) REVIEW DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT, SECTION 7 OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, AND SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORICPRESERVATION ACT ARE MET PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FIELD WORK (5) PROVIDE SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR MONITORING ACTIVITIES (E.G.,BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING SCOPES) AND (6) PROVIDE HOUSING FOR CWF STAFF, AS AVAILABLE.

POPULATION TRENDS AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (2021)

POPULATION TRENDS AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (2020)

F19AC00069

BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS AND SEABEACH AMARANTH PROTECTION

THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (CORPS) CARRIES OUT NUMEROUS ONGOING BEACH NOURISHMENT PROJECTS COVERING MOST OF NEW JERSEY' S ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES. THE SERVICE ISSUED PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINIONS (PBO) REGARDING THE EFFECTS TO THE FEDERALLY LISTED (THREATENED) PIPING PLOVERS (CHARADRIUS MELODUS) AND SEABEACH AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS PUMILUS) FROM THE CONTINUED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CORPS BEACH NOURISHMENT PROGRAMS.

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERALLY THREATENED AND STATE ENDANGERED BEACH NESTING BIRDS ON E.B. FORSYTHE NWR

TRACKING MOVEMENTS OF THREATENED MIGRATORY RUFA RED KNOTS IN U.S. ATLANTIC OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF WATERS

COOP FOR AGREEMENT BEACH MANAGEMENT

ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY IN TARGETED WATERSHEDS

BOG TURTLE ASSESSMENT AND OUTREACH

PIPING PLOVER BEACH HABITAT RESTORATION PLANNING

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NWR (REFUGE) AND A RECENTLY FORMED ADJACENT ISLAND (HORSESHOE ISLAND) FOR THE 2026 BREEDING SEASON. CWFNJ WILL CONDUCT TASKS INCLUDING 1) NEST SEARCHES 2) NEST AND CHICK MONITORING 3) COLONY COUNTS 4) ASSESSING CAUSES OF NEST FAILURE 5) PREDATOR CONTROL SUPPORT 6) HABITAT AND PREDATOR TRANSECTS 7) DATA COLLECTION AND ENTRY 8) AND PUBLIC OUTREACH AS NEEDED. CWFNJ WILL ENSURE DATA COLLECTED IN THE FIELD IS CORRECT AND ENTERED INTO APPROPRIATE DATABASES. THEY WILL PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE PROGRESS REPORTS DURING THE SEASON AND A FINAL REPORT THAT IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE REFUGE AND ITS PARTNERS. MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSESHOE ISLAND WILL BE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE REFUGE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECTS UNDER THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. SPECIFICALLY THE REFUGE WILL 1) PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO THE MONITORING SITES BY PROVIDING USE OF A REFUGE BOAT 2) WORK WITH CWFNJ TO ESTABLISH THE TIMING OF MONITORING 3) DETERMINING THE SCOPE AND PRIORITY OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENT OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS 4) REVIEW DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT AND SECTION 7 OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ARE MET PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FIELD WORK 5) PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY FOR MONITORING OR MANAGEMENT (E.G. SPOTTING SCOPES OR EXCLOSURES) 6) AND PROVIDE HOUSING FOR CWFNJ STAFF AS AVAILABLE AND NEEDED.

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) TO HELP MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT THE PRIME HOOK NWR (REFUGE) DURING THE 2026 BREEDING SEASON. CWFNJ WILL HIRE AND TRAIN AS WELL AS PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT FOR TWO SEASONAL FIELD TECHNICIANS WHO WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE REFUGE BIOLOGIST TO CONDUCT INTENSIVE BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AT PRIME HOOK AND COMPLETE VARIOUS MANAGEMENT TASKS TO HELP ENSURE BREEDING SUCCESS. CWFNJ AND THE REFUGE WILL ALSO WORK TOGETHER ON DATA COLLECTION AND ENTRY AS WELL AS REPORT WRITING. THE REFUGE WILL PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION (I.E. VEHICLE) AND HOUSING AS WELL AS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR THE TECHNICIANS HIRED FOR THE PROJECT. AS POSSIBLE AND NEEDED THE REFUGE WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO ASSIST WITH SOME TASKS.

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INTENDS TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY (CWFNJ) TO MONITOR AND MANAGE PIPING PLOVERS AND OTHER BEACH NESTING BIRDS AT THE EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NWR (REFUGE) AND A RECENTLY FORMED ADJACENT ISLAND (HORSESHOE ISLAND) FOR THE 2027 BREEDING SEASON. CWFNJ WILL CONDUCT TASKS INCLUDING 1) NEST SEARCHES 2) NEST AND CHICK MONITORING 3) COLONY COUNTS 4) ASSESSING CAUSES OF NEST FAILURE 5) PREDATOR CONTROL SUPPORT 6) DATA COLLECTION AND ENTRY 7) AND PUBLIC OUTREACH AS NEEDED. CWFNJ WILL ENSURE DATA COLLECTED IN THE FIELD IS CORRECT AND ENTERED INTO APPROPRIATE DATABASES. THEY WILL PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE PROGRESS REPORTS DURING THE SEASON AND A FINAL REPORT THAT IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE REFUGE AND ITS PARTNERS. MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSESHOE ISLAND WILL BE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW JERSEY FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE REFUGE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECTS UNDER THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY. SPECIFICALLY THE REFUGE WILL 1) PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH TRANSPORTATION TO THE MONITORING SITES BY PROVIDING USE OF A REFUGE BOAT 2) WORK WITH CWFNJ TO ESTABLISH THE TIMING OF MONITORING 3) DETERMINING THE SCOPE AND PRIORITY OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENT OF BUDGET SHORTFALLS 4) REVIEW DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE UNDER THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT AND SECTION 7 OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AND SECTION 106 OF THE NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT ARE MET PRIOR TO CONDUCTING FIELD WORK 5) PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AS NECESSARY FOR MONITORING OR MANAGEMENT (E.G. SPOTTING SCOPES OR EXCLOSURES) 6) AND PROVIDE HOUSING FOR CWFNJ STAFF AS AVAILABLE AND NEEDED.

GOAL OF AGREEMENT IS TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS FOR THE AT RISK TURTLES THAT OCCUR IN THE NORTHEAST AND SPECIFICALLY IN NJ BOG, WOOD, AND SPOTTED TURTLES PROJECT WILL RESULT IN OUTREACH TO AT LEAST 25 LANDOWNERS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO AT LEAST 20 LANDOWNERS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AT LEAST 12 HABITAT RESTORATION PLANS FOR BOG, WOOD AND OR SPOTTED TURTLES

COOP AGREEMENT DETERMINING BOG TURTLE

BREEDING SEASON FIELD WORK FOR 2018

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE AND THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR TASKS RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION OF FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES OCCURRING ON BEACHES IN OCEAN, ATLANTIC, AND CAPE MAY COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY. FUNDING FOR THIS AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT STEMMING FROM A FEDERALLY FUNDED BEACH NOURISHMENT PROGRAM THAT COVERS MOST OF THE MUNICIPAL BEACHES IN THESE THREE COUNTIES. THE MAJOR TASKS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT ARE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING, PROTECTIVE FENCING, AND COORDINATION WITH LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS. DELIVERABLE 1 IS A SUMMARY OF PROGRESS ON 5 TO 7 BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS, INCLUDING COMPLETION OR SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON AT LEAST 3 PLANS. DELIVERABLE 2 INCLUDES RAW DATA FOR LOCATIONS OF A LISTED PLANT (SEABEACH AMARANTH) AND A COMPANION REPORT DETAILING THE MUNICIPAL COORDINATION AND TEMPORARY FENCING EFFORTS CARRIED OUT TO PROTECT THESE PLANTS FROM DAMAGE BY PEDESTRIANS, VEHICLES, ANDMECHANICAL BEACH RAKES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING IS MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS AND STATE FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF LISTED BEACH SPECIES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM PROTECTIVE FENCING IS LONG-TERM INCREASES IN THE NUMBERS OF SEABEACH AMARANTH AND EXPANSION OF ITS GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION IN NEW JERSEY. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC (FROM ADVANCING RECOVERY OF LISTED SPECIES), LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS (FROM IMPROVED COMMUNICATION COORDINATION), THE STATE NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCY (FROM INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS), AND THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (FROM SATISFACTION OF LEGAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT).

THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE AND THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY ARE ENTERING INTO A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR TASKS RELATED TO THE CONSERVATION OF FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES OCCURRING ON BEACHES IN OCEAN, ATLANTIC, AND CAPE MAY COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY. FUNDING FOR THIS AGREEMENT IS PROVIDED BY THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT STEMMING FROM A FEDERALLY FUNDED BEACH NOURISHMENT PROGRAM THAT COVERS MOST OF THE MUNICIPAL BEACHES IN THESE THREE COUNTIES. THE MAJOR TASKS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT ARE BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING, PROTECTIVE FENCING, AND COORDINATION WITH LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS. DELIVERABLE #1 IS A SUMMARY OF PROGRESS ON 5 TO 7 BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANS, INCLUDING COMPLETION OR SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON AT LEAST 3 PLANS. DELIVERABLE #2 INCLUDES RAW DATA FOR LOCATIONS OF A LISTED PLANT (SEABEACH AMARANTH) AND A COMPANION REPORT DETAILING THE MUNICIPAL COORDINATION AND TEMPORARY FENCING EFFORTS CARRIED OUT TO PROTECT THESE PLANTS FROM DAMAGE BY PEDESTRIANS, VEHICLES, AND MECHANICAL BEACH RAKES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM BEACH MANAGEMENT PLANNING IS MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS AND STATE/FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCIES REGARDING THE CONSERVATION OF LISTED BEACH SPECIES. THE EXPECTED OUTCOME FROM PROTECTIVE FENCING IS LONG-TERM INCREASES IN THE NUMBERS OF SEABEACH AMARANTH AND EXPANSION OF ITS GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION IN NEW JERSEY. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE AMERICAN PUBLIC (FROM ADVANCING RECOVERY OF LISTED SPECIES), LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS (FROM IMPROVED COMMUNICATION/COORDINATION), THE STATE NATURAL RESOURCE AGENCY (FROM INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS OF CONSERVATION EFFORTS), AND THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (FROM SATISFACTION OF LEGAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT).

UPDATE MUNICIPALITIES BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN

AT-RISK COASTAL BIRD OUTREACH AND HABITAT RESTORATION

BEACH AND DUNE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES CONDUCTED BY BEACH MANAGERS I E , PRIMARILY MUNICIPAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS ALONG THE ATLANTIC COAST OF NEW JERSEY ARE OFTEN IN DIRECT CONFLICT WITH THE HABITAT NEEDS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED BEACH SPECIES, INCLUDING THE FEDERALLY LISTED THREATENED PIPING PLOVER CHARADRIUS MELODUS AND SEABEACH AMARANTH AMARANTHUS PUMILUS THESE PRACTICES ARE UNDERTAKEN TO PRIMARILY ENHANCE RECREATION AND STORM PROTECTION VALUES OF BEACH AND DUNES, BUT OFTEN WITH THE RESULT OF DEGRADING OR DESTROYING HABITAT FOR LISTED SPECIES THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS FOR THE CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY CWFNJ TO WORK CLOSELY WITH U S FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE S SERVICE NEW JERSEY FIELD OFFICE NJFO IN A CONCERTED EFFORT TO PROMOTE AWARENESS, ADOPTION, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NJFO S FORTHCOMING TE FRIENDLY DUNE GUIDELINES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SERVICE, CWFNJ WILL 1 HOLD STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS TO IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADOPTION OF THE GUIDELINES 2 SEEK TO INTEGRATE THE GUIDELINES INTO NEW JERSEY COASTAL RESILIENCE PLANNING AND PROJECTS, AS WELL AS OTHER COASTAL REGULATIONS 3 DEVELOP OUTREACH AND EDUCATION MATERIALS AIMED AT LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS, AND OTHER MATERIALS INCLUDING A DEDICATED WEB PAGE AND SIGNAGE TEMPLATE AIMED AT THE BEACH GOING PUBLIC, AND WORK WITH UMBRELLA ORGANIZATIONS TO DISSEMINATE THE MESSAGING AND 4 HOLD ONE OR TWO WORKSHOPS WITH LOCAL BEACH MANAGERS MUNICIPAL STAFF SO THEY CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE GUIDELINES AND TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THEM INTO THEIR ROUTINE BEACH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

HURRICANE SANDY DIS REL #EBFMA/DOI 37: MONITORING NESTING ACTIVITIES ENDANGERED BEACH NESTING BIRDS, HOLGATE/LITTLE BEACH ISLAND UNITS OF EBF NWR, NJ

CAPE MAY NWR SHOREBIRD STEWARD PROGRAM

PROJECT GOAL: ADOPTION OF NOVEL TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE AERIAL SHOREBIRD COUNTS USED FOR CONSERVING THESE SPECIES AND MANAGING AND RESTORING THEIR HABITAT TO BE MORE ACCURATE AND COST-EFFECTIVE.PROJECT NEED: THE STATES OF NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE HAVE INVESTED IN APPROXIMATELY 45 YEARS OF AERIAL SURVEYS OF SHOREBIRDS DURING THEIR ANNUAL SPRING MIGRATORY STOPOVER IN DELAWARE BAY. CWF, THE SERVICE, AND MANY OTHER PARTNERS INVOLVED IN SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION ON THE GROUND HAVE USED THESE DATA IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. HOWEVER, THE DATA COLLECTION METHODOLOGY USED THROUGHOUT THIS TIME IS INHERENTLY LIMITED FOR ACCURACY AND WE UNDERSTAND THERE ARE MORE ACCURATE AND COST-EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGIES THAT WE NEED TO BEGIN TO TRANSITION TO. UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBER OF SHOREBIRDS AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN DELAWARE BAY IN SPRING PROVIDES INFORMATION ON POPULATION TRENDS, USE OF DELAWARE BAY, RELATIVE USE OF THE DIFFERENT BEACHES, RESPONSE TO RESTORATION, INDICATION OF RESTORATION NEEDS, AND INFORMS HABITAT MANAGEMENT AND PROJECTION. THE BEACHES OF DELAWARE BAY HAVE BEEN AERIALLY SURVEYED FOR SHOREBIRDS EACH YEAR IN MAY SINCE 1981, TYPICALLY OVER MULTIPLE FLIGHTS PER YEAR. THIS CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENT BY THE STATES ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE ON-THE-GROUND COMPLIMENTARY EFFORTS BY THE STATES, CWF, SERVICE, AND NUMEROUS OTHER PARTNERS HAS CREATED ONE OF THE LARGEST AND LONGEST RUNNING DATASETS OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. COUNTING BIRDS OUT OF MIXED SPECIES FLOCKS OF THOUSANDS OF BIRDS THAT HAVE BEEN FLUSHED AND FROM A MOVING PLANE IS INHERENTLY DIFFICULT DESPITE THE SURVEYORS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE. GETTING ACCURATE COUNTS CAN BE CHALLENGING AND SURVEYORS MAY CHANGE OVER THE YEARS LEADING TO THE POTENTIAL FOR IMPRECISIONS WITHIN THE DATA. ADDITIONALLY, MORE THAN THESE TWO SPECIES CANNOT REASONABLY BE COUNTED BY THE SURVEYORS DURING THE LITTLE TIME THEY HAVE AVAILABLE WHEN THE BIRDS FIRST FLUSH. OTHER FEDERAL TRUST SPECIES OF INTEREST USING THE DELAWARE BAY BEACHES IN SPRING INCLUDE SANDERLINGS (CALIDRIS ALBA), SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (LIMNODROMUS GRISEUS), SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (CALIDRIS PUSILLA), WILLET (TRINGA SEMIPALMATA), AND DUNLIN (CALIDRIS ALPINA) AS WELL AS OTHER LESS ABUNDANT SPECIES SUCH AS FEDERALLY AT-RISK AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (HAEMATOPUS PALLIATUS), BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (PLUVIALIS SQUATAROLA), AND SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (CHARADRIUS SEMIPALMATUS). CWF WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE STATES OF NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE AND THE SERVICE FOR INITIATING A SPRING AERIAL DIGITAL SURVEY OF SHOREBIRDS FOR DELAWARE BAY. THIS COULD INCLUDE SUPPORT FOR A CONTRACTED INITIAL FLIGHT TO TRAIN AN ALGORITHM OR A FOLLOW-UP CONTRACTED FLIGHT THE FOLLOWING YEAR TO BEGIN TO TEST THE ALGORITHM. DURING 2026, THE NORMAL AERIAL SURVEY USING SURVEYORS IN THE PLANE WILL OCCUR AS WILL THE CONCURRENT GROUND COUNTS FOR COMPARISON. THEN FROM 2027 TO APPROXIMATELY 2029 THE NORMAL AERIAL SURVEY USING SURVEYORS IN THE PLANE WILL OCCUR AS WILL THE CONCURRENT GROUND COUNTS FOR COMPARISON BUT ALSO THE AERIAL DIGITAL SURVEY. THE FIRST YEAR OF THE AERIAL DIGITAL SURVEY WILL INCLUDE TRAINING THE ALGORITHM TO COUNT THE DIFFERENT SPECIES. THE EXPECTATION IS THAT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2029, SHOREBIRD PARTNERS WORKING IN DELAWARE BAY CAN BEGIN TO RELY ON THE AERIAL DIGITAL SURVEYS AND THE AERIAL SURVEYOR BASED FLIGHTS AND THE CONCURRENT GROUND COUNT OBSERVERS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED AND CAN INSTEAD FOCUS ON OTHER TASKS OF THE BROADER SHOREBIRD PROJECT. NOT BEGINNING TO TRANSITION TO THE NEW TECHNOLOGY MEANS CONTINUING TO RELY ON METHODS THAT TAKE MORE RESOURCES BUT PROVIDE LESS ACCURATE AND PRECISE DATA NEEDED FOR CONSERVING SHOREBIRD SPECIES AND THEIR HABITATS. CWF WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR INITIATING A DIGITAL AERIAL SURVEY OF THE MIGRATORY SHOREBIRD STOPOVER IN DELAWARE BAY. THE SERVICE WILL HELP COORDINATE THIS SUPPORT COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE STATES AND OTHER PARTNERS.

CAPE MAY NWR SHOREBIRD STEWARD PROGRAM

THE WALLKILL RIVER WATERSHED PROVIDES VITAL HABITAT FOR A MULTITUDE OF NEW JERSEY WILDLIFE INCLUDING TWO OF RAREST REPTILES SUCH AS BOG AND WOOD TURTLES. APPROXIMATELY ONE THIRD OF THE RIVER CORRIDOR IN NEW JERSEY IS PRESERVED WITHIN THE WALLKILL RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. THE HIGH DENSITY OF BOG TURTLES UTILIZING THIS REGION HAS QUALIFIED IT AS A SUBUNIT WITHIN THE BROADER HUDSON HOUSATONIC RECOVERY UNIT OF THE NORTHERN POPULATIONS MANAGEMENT PLAN. INCREASING CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN PARCELS THAT ARE ACTIVELY MANAGED FOR TURTLES WILL HELP MITIGATE THREATS INCLUDING LOSS OF NESTING AND BRUMATION HABITATS AND HELP TO ENSURE POPULATIONS HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO PERSIST. WE BELIEVE OUR WORK WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON RARE TURTLE CONSERVATION IN NEW JERSEY BY FOCUSING OUTREACH AND RESTORATION EFFORTS ON THE WALLKILL RIVER WATERSHED.

SAND SEDGE CONTROL TO PROTECT SEABEACH AMARANTH

SANDY HOOK CHANNEL HABITAT OFFSET PROGRAM

CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY,IN

CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NEW JERSEY