Pheasants Forever Inc

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND COMMUNICATIONS TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCING WILDLIFE HABITAT ON WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES IN THE EASTERN U.S.

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST PRODUCTIVITY TO ENHANCE WILDLIFE HABITAT ON WORKING LANDSCAPES.

PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE, COMMUNICATIONS, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND OPERATIONS UNDER USDA’S WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE INITIATIVE ON RANGELAND IN THE SAGEBRUSH AND GREAT PLAINS BIOMES OF THE WESTERN U.S.

WESTERN WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE

PHEASANTS FOREVERÆS QUAIL FOREVER (QF) DIVISION AND NRCS WIL RECRUIT, HIRE, TRAIN, AND/OR CONTINUE TO DEPLOY FARM BILL BIOLOGISTS TO SUPPORT NRCS WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE.

PARTNERING TO CONSERVE SAGEBRUSH RANGELANDS

EDUCATE PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN MINNESOTA ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND ASSIST WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF SOIL, WATER, AND WILDLIFE.

SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT IN SW IDAHO

THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST INCLUDES MOST OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SAGEBRUSH ECOSYSTEM, AN ARRAY OF RIVERS, STREAMS, AND FLOODPLAINS WITH PRODUCTIVE WETLANDS, AND VAST WESTERN FORESTS. INTERMOUNTAIN WEST JOINT VENTURE (IWJV) HABITAT PROGRAMS WORK TO ADDRESS THREATS TO THESE HABITATS BY CATALYZING PROACTIVE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY LED CONSERVATION ACROSS BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS. PHEASANTS FOREVER (PF) WILL PROVIDE A VARIETY OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS. PF WILL ACT AS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS. THE IWJV WILL PROVIDE FUNDS TO PF FROM MULTIPLE FEDERAL SOURCES THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT. PF IS ALSO AN APPLICANT AND RECIPIENT OF NON-FEDERAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PRIVATE ENTITIES ON BEHALF OF IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS. PF WILL ENTER INTO FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS WITH STATES THAT WISH TO INVEST IN SPECIFIC COMPONENTS OF IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS. AS THE FISCAL AGENT PF WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF PROJECT EXPENSES INCURRED. PF WILL MAINTAIN A RECORD OF EXPENSES INCURRED AND PAYMENTS MADE UNDER THIS PROJECT AND WORK WITH THE IWJV TO ENSURE FINANCIAL SOLVENCY FOR THE PROJECT.IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS REQUIRE A VARIETY OF SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH CONSULTANTS, VENDORS, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, UNIVERSITIES, NON-PROFITS, AND OTHER ENTITIES TO ACHIEVE ITS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. PF WILL ACT AS THE PRIMARY CONTRACTING AGENT FOR IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS PROVIDING THE STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES, THE TEMPLATES FOR AGREEMENTS, AND ENFORCEMENT OF AGREEMENT TERMS TO ENSURE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AS REQUIRED AND TO PROTECT INTERESTS OF THE IWJV AND FWS.PF BRINGS A SOPHISTICATED AND IMPORTANT SET OF ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERTISE TO THE PROJECT IN ADDITION TO FILLING THE CRITICAL ROLES OF FISCAL AND CONTRACTING AGENT. PF HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE FIELD DELIVERY CAPACITY COMPONENT OF IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS BY EMPLOYING AND COST SHARING 12 POSITIONS. PF ALSO EMPLOYS THE IWJV SAGEBRUSH FIELD DELIVERY CAPACITY SPECIALIST, WHO COORDINATES THE FIELD DELIVERY CAPACITY POSITIONS WORKING ON SAGEBRUSH HABITAT CONSERVATION COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE SAGE CAPACITY TEAM. FINALLY, PF STAFF ARE MEMBERS OF THE IWJV MANAGEMENT BOARD AND SAGEBRUSH CONSERVATION COMMITTEE WHICH PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND VISION TO IWJV HABITAT PROGRAMS.FWS AND IWJV STAFF WILL DIRECT AND OVERSEE ALL MAJOR ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH HABITAT PROGRAM WORK INCLUDING ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING OF FIELD DELIVERY CAPACITY POSITIONS, FACILITATING THE TRANSFER OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO HABITAT PROGRAM PARTNERS, DEPLOYING STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS TRACKING, AND REPORTING ON OUTCOMES AND CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS. FWS AND IWJV STAFF WILL MANAGE THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AND WILL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AS NEEDED TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT. THIS INCLUDES CONTRACT AND SUB AWARD DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT, BUDGET TRACKING, BUDGET MANAGEMENT, AND PAYMENT APPROVAL.

INCREASE FIRE MITIGATION CAPACITY, FIRE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES,LANDSCAPE PLANNING, AND OUTREACH TOOLS IN KEY GEOGRAPHIES TO BENEFITWILDLIFE IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATINGIN USDA FARM BILL PROGRAMS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS TO SUPPORT WILDLIFESPECIES IN THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL UNITED STATES.

SAGE-GROUSE INITIATIVE STRATEGIC WATERSHED ACTION TEAM

ADDRESS NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS RESULTING IN REDUCED SOIL EROSION,IMPROVED SOIL HEALTH, WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, ANDIMPROVED GRAZING CONDITIONS ON PRIVATE LANDS IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

CONTINUED DELIVERY OF CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ADDRESS CRITICAL RESOURCE CONCERNS SUPPORTING MISSOURI'S FARM, RANCHERS, AND LANDOWNERS, THROUGH PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL FARM BILL.

PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL COLLABORATE CLOSELY WITH THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY TO SUPPORT THEIR COMMITMENT TO WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE, INFORM POLICY, AND IMPROVE PROGRAM DELIVERY FOR THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM. SPECIFIC AREAS OF FOCUS ARE 1) WILDLIFE SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED, 2) BIG GAME CORRIDORS, 3) NATIVE SEED STRATEGY, 4) ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS OF KEYSTONE WILDLIFE, S) GRAZING INFRASTRUCTURE ON CRP AND ENDURING BENEFITS, 6) TRIBAL NATION ACCESS, 7) IMPROVING THE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT OF CRP RESOURCES TO BENEFIT CULTURALLY AND ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT WILDLIFE SPECIES, 8) ALTERNATIVE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, AND 9) A LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM.

ENHANCING AND IMPROVING THE HABITAT COVER ON PRIVATE LANDS IN OHIO FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES OF WILDLIFE AND THE PROTECTION, ENHANCEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF HABITAT FOR THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.

PROVIDE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT TO ACCELERATE USDA FARM BILL NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM DELIVERY TO PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS IN OREGON.

SUPPORT TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN KANSAS TO APPLY VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION PRACTICES TO ADDRESS NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS RESULTING IN REDUCED SOIL EROSION, IMPROVED SOIL HEALTH, IMPROVED WATER QUALITY.

INCREASING NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION ADOPTION THROUGH SUSTAININGWILDLIFE TO BENEFIT SOIL HEALTH, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND ECONOMICPERFORMANCE OF WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN ILLINOIS.

PROVIDE ADDED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY TO WASHINGTON NRCS IN THE DELIVERY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

INCREASE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES THAT IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH, WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY, RANGELAND FORAGE BALANCE AND GRAZING DISTRIBUTION, AND LAND PROTECTION ON PRIVATE LANDS IN THE STATE OF KANSAS.

PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PHEASANTS FOREVER TO PROVIDE WILDLIFE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO USDA NRCS CLIENTS.

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

EDUCATE PRIVATE LANDOWNERS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF USDA CONSERVATIONPROGRAMS AND ASSIST WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS FOR THE CONSERVATIONOF SOIL, WATER AND WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

SAGE GROUSE INITIATIVE STRATEGIC WATERSHED ACTION TEAM 2.0 SGI SWAT 2.0

THIS PROJECT ACCELERATES THE COMPLETION OF SAGEBRUSH STEPPE RESTORATION PROJECTS IN THE IDAHO FALLS DISTRICT BLM FOR SAGE GROUSE HABITAT BENEFITS. THESE COMPONENTS INCLUDE: REDUCE THE RISK OF WILDFIRE AND OR INVASIVE SPECIES PROLIFERATION, CONTROLLING ENCROACHING CONIFERS, IMPLEMENTING PRACTICES ACROSS LAND OWNERSHIPS DESIGNED TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE MESIC MEADOW HABITATS, AND RESTORING SHRUBS, PERENNIAL GRASSES AND OR FORBS TO RANGELANDS. TAKEN TOGETHER, THE BLM, PF, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS COLLABORATIVE WORK ON BLM LAND.

FARM BILL BIOLOGIST SUPPORT TO ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF LAND AND WATER RESOURCES IN NEBRASKA AND THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF WILDLIFE HABITAT.

IA/MN PRAIRIE POTHOLES

SUSTAINING AND IMPROVING WILDLIFE HABITAT THROUGH VOLUNTARY PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LANDS CONSERVATION CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICE APPLICATION IN TEXAS.

THE AGREEMENT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO QUAIL FOREVER (QF) AD THE NRCS BY ENHANCING AND IMPROVING HABITAT COVER ON PRIVATE LANDS FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES OF WILDLIFE.

SUPPORT TO IOWA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO APPLY VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION PRACTICES RESULTING IN INCREASED SOIL HEALTH, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS.

SUPPORT TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN WISCONSIN TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO ENHANCE AND/OR RESTORE TERRESTRIAL HABITATS, PARTICULARLY THOSE SUPPORTIVE OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND SENSITIVE SPECIES WITHIN THE VIBURNUM TREND IN MISSOURI

PIEDMONT FOREST LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

THIS PROPOSAL WAS DEVELOPED WITH INPUT FROM MULTIPLE PARTNERS WORKING ACROSS PRIVATE AND STATE LANDS IN BEKER AND MALHEUR COUNTIES, OREGON. THOSE REPRESENTED ARE PARTNERS OF TWO COLLABORATIVE GROUPS: THE BAKER AND VALE SAGE-GROUSE LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION TEAMS (LIT). OUR PROPOSAL OUTLINES CONSERVATION NEEDS ACROSS 14,409.17 ACRES OF PRIVATELY OWNED LANDS. TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CROSS-BOUNDARY INTERESTS, THAT PARTNERS CHOSE TO PURSUE FUNDING THROUGH THE LIT S COLLABORATIVE PLATFORM AND SUBMITTED A JOINT APPLICATION TO ADDRESS TWO PRIMARY THREATS TO OREGON S SAGEBRUSH LANDSCAPES: CONFER EXPANSION AND INVASIVE ANNUAL GRASSES. THIS PROPOSAL BUILDS UPON EXISTING PARTNERSHIP EFFORTS ON BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS.

EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA PRAIRIE CONSERVATION

FARM BILL BIOLOGISTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.

SAGEBRUSH AND BITTERBRUSH CONSERVATION PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN HABITAT IMPROVEMENT THAT BENEFIT THE GREATERSAGE-GROUSE, A SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED IN IDAHO. CLIMATE CHANGE HAS HASTENED THE ENCROACHMENTOF JUNIPER OR OTHER TREE SPECIES AND HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONVERSION OF SAGEBRUSH STEPPE ECOSYSTEM TO JUNIPERWOODLANDS IN MANY AREAS. REDIRECTING WOODLAND TYPE VEGETATION ALLOWS FOR REINTRODUCTION OF BRUSH SPECIES INTOAREAS, INCLUDING RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF SAGEBRUSH AND BITTERBRUSH.THROUGH THIS PROJECT, PHEASANT FOREVER, INC (PFI) PROPOSES TO IMPROVE SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT BY FOSTERING THEREINTRODUCTION OF BRUSH SPECIES ONTO PUBLIC LANDS WITHIN AREAS OF SOUTHERN IDAHO. PFI WILL COLLABORATE WITHMULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS TO EXECUTE FOUR ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS AIMED AT HABITAT IMPROVEMENT, INCLUDING: (1)CONTROLLING ENCROACHING CONIFERS (2) IMPLEMENTING PRACTICES ACROSS LAND OWNERSHIPS DESIGNED TO REDUCE THERISK OF WILDFIRE AND OR INVASIVE SPECIES PROLIFERATION (3) RESTORING AND ENHANCING MESIC MEADOW HABITATS (4)RESTORING SHRUBS, PERENNIAL GRASSES AND OR FORBS TO RANGELANDS.

BIOLOGISTS WILL WORK WITH AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS AND FOREST LANDOWNERS TO MEET NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.

PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND MONITORING OF OVER 63,000 ACRES OF CURRENT WETLAND EASEMENTS AND PROMOTE USDA FARM BILL PROGRAMS TO LANDOWNERS AND PARTNERS IN OREGON.

PF WILL IMPLEMENT RESTORATION PROJECTS TO INCLUDE EASEMENT SIGNAGE, EASEMENT FENCING AND PREPPING LAND AND SEEDING FOR EASEMENT MANAGEMENT PURPOSES.

SUPPORT TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN MISSOURI TO APPLY VOLUNTARYCONSERVATION PRACTICES RESULTING IN REDUCED SOIL EROSION, IMPROVED SOIL HEALTH,WATER QUALITY & QUANTITY,WILDLIFE HABITAT, &GRAZING.

THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM ARE PARTNERING WITH PHEASANTS FOREVER INC AND QUAIL FOREVER PFQF TO CREATE A HABITAT STRIKE FOR THE INTENTION OF RESTORING AND MAINTAIN NATURAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN A PRIORITIZED LANDSCAPE THE TRISTATE MINING DISTRICT IS A HIGHLY DEGRADED LANDSCAPE IDENTIFIED BY US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY DUE TO EXTREME LEVELS OF LEAD CADMIUM AND NICKEL CONTAMINATION AS A RESULT OF THE MINING INDUSTRY. RESTORING HABITAT WITHIN THE TSMD, SPECIFICALLY JASPER, BARRY, LAWRENCE, AND NEWTON COUNTIES OF MISSOURI, REQUIRES CONSIDERABLE COMMITMENT AND EXPENSE AND IS ACHIEVED MORE EFFECTIVELY AND SUSTAINABLY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS. WE PRESENT SUCH A COLLABORATION, WHEREIN THE SERVICE AND PARTNERS PROPOSE TO TREAT INVASIVE SPECIES, EXPAND PRESCRIBED FIRE ACTIVITY, AND DIVERSIFY AND RESTORE NATIVE HABITATS ON PRIORITIZED SITES. BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL) FUNDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION (NRDAR) SETTLEMENT FUNDS WILL SUPPORT A CREW LEADER AND FOUR FULL-TIME HABITAT SPECIALISTS (CREW) THAT WILL RESTORE AREAS ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS BY USING HABITAT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS). PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO PFQF AND AGREED UPON IN ADVANCE PROJECTS WILL BE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL AND MEET THE MISSIONS OF BOTH ORGANIZATIONS.FULL DETAILS OF THE SERVICE S SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE WORKPLAN APPROVED BY THE SERVICE BIOLOGIST. THE SERVICE PROJECT OFFICER (I.E., PARTNERS PROGRAM BIOLOGIST) IDENTIFIED IN THE PROJECT CONTACTS SECTION OF THIS LETTER WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THIS PROJECT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (NOW LIST OUT SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES TASKS THAT ARE DESCRIBED IN THE WORKPLAN, SUCH AS: MANUALLY REMOVE INVASIVE SPECIES, INSTALL A FENCE, PLANT NATIVE SEED, PARTICIPATE IN FIELD VISITS, MONITOR CONSTRUCTION, PARTICIPATE IN OUTREACH EVENT ETC.)

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROPOSAL IS TO ACQUIRE THROUGH FEE TITLE AND EASEMENT ACQUISITION 1,810.39 ACRES (260.44 WETLAND AND 1549.95 UPLAND), ENHANCE 2,997 ACRES (132 WETLAND AND 2865 UPLAND), AND RESTORE 1008.9 ACRES (400 WETLAND AND 608.9 UPLAND) OF WETLAND AND PRAIRIE UPLAND HABITATS WITHIN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF MINNESOTA WHICH COVERS APPROXIMATELY THE WESTERN HALF OF THE STATE.

BLM UT VEGETATION MONITORING AND BIG GAME RANGE TREND STUDIES IN UT

SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO SHRUB RESTORATION FOR LANDSCAPE RESILIENCY PHASE II

COLORADO FARM BILL BIOLOGIST PARTNERSHIP

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO FORM A FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) AND PHEASANTS FOREVER TO FACILITATE VOLUNTARY HABITAT CONSERVATION WORK ON PRIVATE AND TRIBAL LAND THROUGHOUT SOUTH DAKOTA THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER. THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM WILL BE THE USFWS LEAD FOR DELIVERING ALL FACETS OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT. AN EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON RESTORING, CREATING AND ENHANCING WETLAND, GRASSLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITATS THAT ARE VITAL TO A WIDE VARIETY OF BIRD POPULATIONS. BIRD SPECIES TO BE BEFITTED VIA THESE CONSERVATION ACTIONS INCLUDE MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, GRASSHOPPERS SPARROWS, WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, AND UPLAND SANDPIPERS. ADDITIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE BENEFITS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF IMPROVED GRASSLAND CONDITION AND ENHANCED WATER QUALITY. DURING THE FULL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IT IS PROJECTED THAT 25,000 ACRES OF GRASSLAND AND WETLAND HABITAT WILL BE BENEFITED THROUGHOUT SOUTH DAKOTA. SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PRACTICES TO BE JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER INCLUDE WETLAND CREATIONS, WETLAND ENHANCEMENTS, WETLAND RESTORATIONS, NATIVE GRASS SEEDINGS, MANAGED GRAZING SYSTEMS, ALTERNATIVE WATERING SYSTEMS FOR LIVESTOCK GRAZING PLANS, AND RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENTS.

TO PROMOTE AND DELIVER PRECISION AG AND CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS AND DEMONSTRATE THROUGH ENTERPRISE-SPECIFIC DATA THAT CONSERVATION AND OPTION CAN INCREASE FARM PROFITS IMPLEMENT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

PUBLIC PURPOSE WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE ABILITY OF THE RECIPIENT, PARTICULARLY THROUGH ITS BIOLOGISTS AND CHAPTERS, TO WORK WITH NPS MANAGERS AND ASSOCIATED STAKEHOLDERS (E.G., NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, MUNICIPALITIES, UNIVERSITIES) TO ASSESS AND BEGIN CRAFTING GRASSLAND AND WOODLAND RESTORATION APPROACHES AND PROJECTS FOR SPECIFIED PARK UNITS. THESE LANDS ARE ADJACENT TO OTHER NON-NPS LANDS WITH TRIBAL PARTNERS AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS THAT HAVE A HIGH INTEREST IN GRASSLAND RESTORATION. THE RECIPIENT WILL ENABLE THE BROADER DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, AS APPROVED BY THE PARTNERING PARK UNITS, VIA PROJECT UPLOADS ON SOCIAL OTHER MEDIA AND FIELD TRIPS DESIGNED FOR NEIGHBORING LANDOWNERS AND CONSERVATION STAFF. SUCH DISSEMINATION WILL ALSO ENABLE THE INTEGRATION OF NPS PROJECTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECTS TO ENABLE RESTORATION PRACTITIONERS AND MANAGERS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM TO LEARN FROM ONGOING RESTORATION EFFORTS THAT ENGAGE MANY PARTNERS.

CONTINUING THE SUPPORT OF 7 FARM BILL BIOLOGISTS HOUSED WITHIN NRCS FIELD OFFICES THAT WILL INCREASE THE ABILITY OF NRCS LOCAL FIELD OFFICES.

PROVIDE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO NEVADA PRIVATE, AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS WITH A FOCUS ON WILDLIFE PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES IMPLEMENTED THROUGH USDA FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

NORTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY PROJECT - II.

PHEASANTS FOREVER PF IS PROPOSING TO ASSIST WITH IDENTIFICATION, COORDINATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PRIORITY ANNUAL GRASS REDUCTION PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN IDAHO PROJECTS WILL IMPLEMENT ACTIONS THAT REDUCE OR ELIMINATE INVASIVE ANNUAL GRASS SPECIES IAG CHEATGRASS, MEDUSAHEAD, VENTENATA, ETC AND OR SUPPORT THE RECOVERY OF DESIRABLE PERENNIAL VEGETATION

THIS PROJECT WORKS WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN IMPORTANT SAGEBRUSH LANDSCAPES IN MONTANA S NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS AND MUSSELSHELL PLAINS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE HABITAT FOR GREATER SAGE GROUSE AND DECLINING GRASSLAND SONGBIRDS RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES WILL TARGET AREAS OF DEGRADED BY INVASIVE GRASSES, CONIFER ENCROACHMENT AND OTHER HABITAT DEGRADATION TO A HEALTHIER, FUNCTIONING STATE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES ARE TO REMOVE CONIFERS ON AT LEAST 1,000 ACRES OF ENCROACHMENT, RESTORE 1,500 ACRES OF MARGINAL CROPLAND BACK TO NATIVE VEGETATION, AND INSTALL LIVESTOCK WATER AND FENCE INFRASTRUCTURE ON FIVE PRIVATE RANCHES IN CORE SAGEBRUSH HABITAT TO PREVENT CONVERSION FOR 20 YEARS

THIS PROJECT AIMS TO RESTORE GRASSLAND HABITAT WITHIN NATIONAL PARKS LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS AND ASSIST WITH THE PROMOTION AND OUTREACH RELATED TO THE HABITAT VALUES PROVIDED.PUBLIC PURPOSE WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE ABILITY OF THE RECIPIENT, PARTICULARLY THROUGH ITS BIOLOGISTS AND CHAPTERS, TO WORK WITH NPS MANAGERS AND ASSOCIATED STAKEHOLDERS (E.G., NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, MUNICIPALITIES, UNIVERSITIES) TO ASSESS AND BEGIN CRAFTING GRASSLAND RESTORATION APPROACHES AND PROJECTS FOR SPECIFIED PARK UNITS. THESE LANDS ARE ADJACENT TO OTHER NON-NPS LANDS WITH TRIBAL PARTNERS AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS THAT HAVE A HIGH INTEREST IN GRASSLAND RESTORATION. THE RECIPIENT WILL ENABLE THE BROADER DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION, AS APPROVED BY THE PARTNERING PARK UNITS, VIA PROJECT UPLOADS ON SOCIAL OTHER MEDIA AND FIELD TRIPS DESIGNED FOR NEIGHBORING LANDOWNERS AND CONSERVATION STAFF. SUCH DISSEMINATION WILL ALSO ENABLE THE INTEGRATION OF NPS PROJECTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECTS TO ENABLE RESTORATION PRACTITIONERS AND MANAGERS ACROSS THE SPECTRUM TO LEARN FROM ONGOING RESTORATION EFFORTS THAT ENGAGE MANY PARTNERS.

HARVEY DUNN GRASSLAND PRESERVATION PROJECT II

PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL UTILIZE THIS FUNDING TO HIRE PRIVATE CONTRACTORS TO COMPLETE INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL ON FWS WILDLIFE REFUGES AND WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREAS WHERE SUCH NEEDS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY FWS STAFF MEMBERS. FWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITHIN THEIR DEFINED ROLES TO EXECUTE THESE PROJECTS EFFICIENTLY ANDEFFECTIVELY.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,076ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ENHANCE 335.90 ACRES, AND RESTORE 187ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF MINNESOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1598.90TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,029.66ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ENHANCE 10 ACRES, AND RESTORE 399.21ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE RED RIVER VALLEY OF MINNESOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1438.87TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 704.20ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ENHANCE 682.90 ACRES, AND RESTORE 370.45ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF MINNESOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1,757.55TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 987.77ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ENHANCE 467.9 ACRES, AND RESTORE 330.45ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION OF MINNESOTA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 1,786.12TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

ST. CROIX VALLEY WETLANDS (MN, WI)

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,039.48-ACRES AND THE RESTORATION OF (205 ACRES) OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN MINNESOTA. THIS PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO, PROTECT AND RESTORE 1,039.48 (205) ACRES OF HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

BORDER PRAIRIE WETLANDS IV

SOUTHWEST WETLAND INITIATIVE OF MINNESOTA II

TONY DEAN'S ACRES

SOUTHWEST WETLAND INITIATIVE OF MINNESOTA (SWIM)

BORDER PRAIRIE WETLANDS III

BORDER PRAIRIE WETLANDS (BPW) VII

SOUTHERN RED RIVER VALLEY WETLANDS

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 2,055.09-ACRES, RESTORE 15 ACRES AND ENHANCE 576.5 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN MINNESOTA. THIS PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, RESTORE AND ENHANCE 2,646.59 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA WETLANDS II

DELIVER USDA FARM BILL PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMIES, CONSERVE,CONNECT, AND RESTORE HEALTHY AND RESILIENT LANDS AND WATERS THAT PEOPLEAND WILDLIFE DEPEND ON IN IDAHO.

SOUTHWEST WETLAND INITIATIVE OF MINNESOTA (SWIM) VI

WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA WETLANDS

PROTECTION OF HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

MINNESOTA RIVER PRAIRIES III

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD ARE TO BE USED TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,063.92 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, 303.2 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, RESTORE 154 (10) ACRES AND ENHANCE 134.8 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND SURROUNDING UPLANDS. THE PURPOSES OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, RESTORE AND ENHANCE 1,655.92 (10) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS FOR THE BENEFITS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

MINNESOTA RIVER PRAIRIES IV

SOUTH DAKOTA GRASSLAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION INITIATIVE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,480.72-ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN MINNESOTA. THIS PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION 550.17 ACRES AND THROUGH EASEMENT ACQUISITION 930.55 ACRES OF HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD ARE TO BE USED TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT 820.38 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, 45.3 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, RESTORE 139.5 (155) ACRES AND ENHANCE 1,311 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND SURROUNDING UPLANDS. THE PURPOSES OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, RESTORE AND ENHANCE 2,316.18 (155) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS FOR THE BENEFITS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD ARE TO BE USED TO PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,429.99 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, 99.5 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, RESTORE 20 (15) ACRES AND ENHANCE 662 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND SURROUNDING UPLANDS. THE PURPOSES OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, RESTORE AND ENHANCE 2,211.49 (15) ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS FOR THE BENEFITS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE IN MINNESOTA.

IOWA-MINNESOTA PRAIRIE POTHOLES II

SOUTHWEST WETLAND INITIATIVE OF MINNESOTA (SWIM) III

SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY II

THE UPPER SNAKE RIVER PLAIN WETLANDS PROJECT WILL ACQUIRE 3,295 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLES AND EASEMENTS, AND RESTORE 90 ACRES OF UPLAND NESTING HABITAT ADJACENT TO WETLANDS. ACQUISITIONS WILL EXPAND MARKET LAKE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, WHICH SUPPORTS HIGH DENSITIES OF BREEDING AND MIGRATORY WATERFOWL. SPECIES THAT WILL BENEFIT INCLUDE NORTHERN PINTAIL, MALLARD, AND LESSER SCAUP.

WE PROPOSE ADDING CAPACITY TO FACILITATE CROSS-BOUNDARY COLLABORATIVE WORK TO IMPROVE GRASSLANDS, SAGEBRUSH STEPPE, BIG GAME CORRIDORS, AND PUBLIC ACCESS ACROSS MONTANA. PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL PROVIDE THIS CAPACITY THROUGH THEIR CONSERVATION DELIVERY TEAM IN THE STATE INCLUDING A MT STATE COORDINATOR, A RANCHERS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE COORDINATING WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, A GLASGOW COORDINATING WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST, AND OTHER TEAM MEMBERS NECESSARY TO DELIVER THE PROPOSED DELIVERABLES. THE PHEASANTS FOREVER MONTANA CONSERVATION DELIVERY TEAM WILL WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH BLM FIELD OFFICES AND OTHER PARTNERS (NRCS, USFWS, PPN, IWN, NGPJV, WWF, TNC, DU) TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT GRASSLAND SAGEBRUSH HEALTH AND FUNCTION, FACILITATE WILDLIFE MIGRATION MOVEMENT CORRIDORS, AND IMPROVE PUBLIC ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES. THROUGH THIS COLLABORATIVE PROCESS WE WILL LEVERAGE FUNDING FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES AND PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED CAPACITY TO WORK DIRECTLY WITH LANDOWNERS AND LESSEES TO IMPLEMENT CONSERVATION PROJECTS THAT CROSS PUBLIC PRIVATE OWNERSHIPS TO MEET PRIORITY WILDLIFE CONCERNS. THIS CAPACITY WILL BE CRUCIAL TO DELIVER EXISTING COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES INCLUDING THE BIG GAME RCPP, MT SAGEBRUSH CONSERVATION BIL FUNDING, RANCHERS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE NFWF GRANTS, WINNETT ACES NFWF GRANTS, PHEASANTS FOREVER NFWF GRANTS, AND OTHER ONGOING PROJECTS. THIS CAPACITY WILL BE CRITICAL IN CONNECTING BLM AND OTHER PARTNERS TO THESE EFFORTS AND ENSURING PROJECTS ARE APPLIED IN A CROSS-BOUNDARY FASHION ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE. ADDITIONALLY, THE MT STATE COORDINATOR WILL WORK WITH OTHER PF STAFF AND PARTNERS TO DEVELOP INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES THAT BRING FURTHER FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PRIORITY LANDSCAPES IN MONTANA. THROUGH THIS EFFORT AND EFFECTIVE LEVERAGING OF OTHER FUNDS WE EXPECT TO IMPACT 40,000 ACRES OF GRASSLANDS THROUGH GRAZING SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS (50 PUBLIC), RESTORE 1,000 ACRES OF GRASSLAND ON CROPLAND (PRIVATE), MODIFY REMOVE 200 MILES OFFENCE TO FACILITATE WILDLIFE MOVEMENT (50 PUBLIC), COMPLETE 600 LANDOWNER CONTACTS, OPEN UP 10,000 ACRES OF PUBLIC ACCESS (50 PRIVATE, 50 LAND-LOCKED PUBLIC), AND DEVELOP 4 NEW INITIATIVES FOCUSED ON PRIORITY LANDSCAPES.

PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL WORK WITH NRCS TENNESSEE TO MAXIMIZE TECHNICAL STAFF RESOURCES, MOBILIZE TRAINED STAFF TO ASSIST WITH CRITICAL PROGRAM SIGN-UP PERIODS, INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY IN IMPLEMENTING WILDLIFE, AND PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION

SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT INITIATIVE

SOUTHERN RED RIVER VALLEY WETLANDS II

ENHANCE DELIVERY OF USDA FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS IN OKLAHOMA TO ADDRESS CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS.

THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR PROPOSAL SIGNED ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019, HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL BENEFIT 18,381 ACRES. APPROXIMATELY 1,266 ACRES WILL BE PERPETUALLY PROTECTED THROUGH ACQUIRED CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, 580 ACRES WILL BE ACQUIRED IN FEE, 435 ACRES WILL BE ACQUIRED BY LEASE, 1,100 ACRES WILL BE RESTORED AND 15,000 ACRES WILL BE ENHANCED TO BENEFIT MIGRATORY BIRDS. BECAUSE ACQUISITIONS MUST COMPLY WITH THE DOI FAIR RULE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 29, 2019, FUNDS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF 1,100 ACRES THROUGH CONSERVATION EASEMENTS ($323,350) WILL BE RELEASED WHEN THE REQUIRED PROPERTY DOCUMENTATION IS SUBMITTED TO DBHC.

TO ENHANCE THE HEALTH OF GRASSLANDS IN SOUTH DAKOTA BY INCREASING LIVESTOCK FORAGE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT, ENHANCING SOIL HEALTH, AND IMPROVING WATER QUALITY.

SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY PROJECT

UPLAND HABITAT RESTORATION THROUGH WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIF AND ALL FARM BILL PROGRAMS.

PROVIDE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO UTAH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS WITH A FOCUS ON WILDLIFE PRACTICES AND INITIATIVES IMPLEMENTED THROUGH NRCS FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

ADDRESS FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS THAT FARMERS IN THEPRAIRIE POTHOLE REGIONS OF IOWA AND MINNESOTA FACE IN IMPLEMENTINGPRECISION CONSERVATION DECISION MAKING SYSTEMS ON THEIR FARMS

IOWA PARTNERS FOR CONSERVATION FISCAL YEAR 2019 ANNOUNCEMENT FOR PROGRAM FUNDING- IOWA.

PRECISION AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

PROMOTE ACCELERATED DELIVER OF TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

ACCELERATE DELIVERY OF USDA FARM BILL AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TOSTRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMIES, CONSERVE, CONNECT, AND RESTORE HEALTHY ANDRESILIENT LANDS AND WATERS IN MONTANA.

SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY III

SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY PROJECT

IA-MN PRAIRIE POTHOLES (IA-MN PP) III

PROMOTE PRESCRIBED BURNING AND PROVIDE PRESCRIBED BURN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO LANDOWNERS IN NORTHERN MISSOURI.

THIS PROPOSAL ENCOMPASSES A MULTI YEAR TREATMENT PROGRAM THAT ENGAGES MULTIPLE PARTNERS REPRESENTING THE BAKER AND VALE LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION TEAMS LIT TOGETHER, THESE PARTNERS HAVE COLLABORATED TO ESTABLISH A RESTORATION STRATEGY TO TREAT 3,790 ACRES OF STATE ADMINISTERED LANDS AND 18,107 ACRES OF PRIVATELY OWNED LANDOWNERS REPRESENTING 24 LANDOWNERS THE ENTIRE PROGRAM AREA SUPPORTS RESTORATION EFFORTS ACROSS THE SAGEBRUSH ECOSYSTEM OF MALHEUR AND BAKER COUNTIES THIS PROPOSAL SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS FUNDS TO KICK OFF THAT MULTI YEAR TREATMENT PROGRAM BY PROVIDING FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE MALHEUR COUNTY WEED DEPARTMENT MCWD FOR YEAR 1 OF THE PROGRAM TO USE AERIAL SPRAY APPLICATIONS TO TREAT APPROXIMATELY 1,588 ACRES OF INVASIVE ANNUAL GRASSES IAG IN MALHEUR COUNTY THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY WILL ALLOW PARTNERS TO BUILD ON, NOT ONLY THEIR OWN EXISTING EFFORTS, BUT THOSE OCCURRING ON NEIGHBORING FEDERALLY ADMINISTERED LANDS I E , BLM AND PRIVATE LANDS WHERE OVERLAPPING PRIORITIES ARE SUPPORTED THROUGH EXISTING PROGRAMS

PHEASANTS FOREVER IS PROPOSING TO COOPERATIVE WITH THE USFWS US NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BLM IDAHO AND OTHERS AS OPPORTUNITY AND INTEREST ALLOWS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE SAGEBRUSH STEPPE HABITATS WITHIN THE IDAHO AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA SAGEBRUSH COLLABORATIVE RESTORATION LANDSCAPE

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONTHE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 25- 2022- HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES- REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS- JANUARY 2024. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1-380.05 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION - ENHANCE 389.72 ACRES- AND RESTORE 24.50 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN MINNESOTA. THEREFORE- THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT- ENHANCE- AND RESTORE 1-794.27 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

NORTH DAKOTA HABITAT LEGACY PROJECT

THE BARBWIRE JUNIPER PROJECT IS A FOUR YEAR TREATMENT PROGRAM THAT ENTAILS THE REMOVAL OF 2,792 ACRES OF PHASE I AND PHASE II JUNIPER WITHIN THE BROTHERS PRIORITY AREA OF CONCERN PAC IN EASTERN DESCHUTES AND CROOK COUNTIES THIS PROPOSAL SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS FUNDS TO KICK OFF THAT FOUR YEAR TREATMENT PROGRAM BY REMOVING 676 OF 2,792 ACRES OF PHASE I AND II JUNIPERS DURING YEAR 1 THE PROJECT AREA ENCOMPASSES A PORTION OF STATE TRUST LANDS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS DSL FOR LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COMMON SCHOOL FUND IN 2013, DSL ENTERED INTO A CANDIDATE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT WITH ASSURANCES CCAA WITH THE USFWS AND LATER DEVELOPED A SAGE GROUSE HABITAT ASSESSMENT SGHA DOCUMENT WHICH OUTLINES MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ALONG WITH CONSERVATION MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE BENEFIT SAGE GROUSE HABITAT AS IDENTIFIED IN THE SGHA THE BIGGEST THREAT TO SAGE GROUSE HABITAT IN THIS AREA IS CONIFER ENCROACHMENT WITH THE REMOVAL OF JUNIPER PROVIDING THE BIGGEST UPLIFT FOR SAGE GROUSE THIS PROJECT WILL DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE JUNIPER THREAT

TO EXPAND THE USE OF PRESCRIBED FIRE TECHNICAL APPLICATION AND PLANNING IN ND BY WORKING TO SUPPORT PRIVATE LANDOWNERS WITH TRAINING, PLANNING SUPPORT, NETWORKING, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND EQUIPMENT.

SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO SHRUB RESTORATION

TO RESTORE AND MANGE EASEMENTS THROUGH STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. THE PURPOSE OF EASEMENT SIGNAGE IS TO MARK THE PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED EASEMENT BOUNDARY. THE PURPOSE OF OBSTRUCTION REMOVAL IS TO REDUCE HABITAT FRAGMENTATION AND PLACES FOR NEST PREDATORS TO UTILIZE BY REMOVING THROUGH BURIAL OR HAULING UNWANTED FEATURES SUCH AS ROCK PILES, DEBRIS, MINOR WOODY DEBRIS.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS AGREEMENT WILL FOSTER THE DELIVERY OF FARM BILL, IRA, AND NRCS CONSERVATION PROGRAMS DIRECTLY BENEFITING THE MISSION OF BOTH PARTIES.

THIS PROPOSAL SEEKS TO ACCELERATE THE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF PRAIRIE WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLAND HABITATS TO BENEFIT WILDLIFE IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA. LONG-STANDING AND NEW PARTNERS HAVE COME TOGETHER TO PURCHASE IN FEE TITLE AND EASEMENT 1,638.44 ACRES (364.32 WETLAND ACRES AND 1,274.12 UPLAND ACRES), RESTORE 305.27 ACRES (79.92 WETLAND ACRES AND 225.35 UPLAND ACRES), AND ENHANCE 876 ACRES (663-ACRES WETLAND, 213 ACRES UPLAND) FOR A TOTAL OF 2,819.71 ACRES OF HABITAT CRUCIAL TO WATERFOWL AND A WHOLE SUITE OF ADDITIONAL SPECIES.

MONARCH AND NATIVE POLLINATOR COORDINATOR.

PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC. (PF), WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (SERVICE) WITHIN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION (PPR, FIGURE 1) OF MINNESOTA AND IOWA TO EVALUATE AND RESTORE NATIVE GRASSLANDS AND WETLANDS ON EXISTING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (NWR) SYSTEM LANDS THROUGH THE HIRING OF EIGHT FIELD BIOLOGISTS. THESE POSITIONS WILL HELP ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE AS IT PERTAINS TO MAKING SERVICE PROPERTIES MORE RESILIENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASING CARBON SEQUESTRATION.THE MISSION OF PF IS TO CONSERVE PHEASANTS, QUAIL, AND OTHER WILDLIFE THROUGH HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS, PUBLIC ACCESS, EDUCATION, AND CONSERVATION ADVOCACY. PHEASANTS FOREVER HAS DEMONSTRATED SUCCESS ON SEVERAL LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS WITH THE SERVICE IN PREVIOUS YEARS, MAKING PF IDEALLY SITUATED TO TACKLE THE NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS EFFORT.

ENHANCED DELIVERY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AND TECHNICAL ASSSTANCE TO ADDRESS CRITICAL RESOURCE CONCERNS WITHIN THE STATE OF KANSAS - PHEASANTS FOREVER PRIVATE LAND CONSERVATIONIST PARTNERSHIP.

INCREASE CUSTOMER AWARENESS OF CONSERVATION PLANNING AND PRATICE IMPLEMENTATION ON PRIVATE LANDS IN THE STATE OF KANSAS. AMENDMENT IS TO REDUCE COST SHARE AND SHIFT FUNDS TO ADVANCE PAYMENT TYPE.

NA: RAINWATER BASIN HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECT II

PROVIDE SUPPORT TO ARKANSAS-NRCS'S STATE TECHNICAL STAFF AND THE STATE WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST ON A STATE-WIDE LEVEL BY INCREASING CONSERVATION PROGRAM SUPPORT CAPACITY WITHIN ARKANSAS.

IMPLEMENT WILDLIFE HABITAT PROGRAMS

ESTABLISH A GRASSLANDS COORDINATING WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST POSITION TO EXPAND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN ARKANSAS.

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO FORM A FIVE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) AND PHEASANTS FOREVER TO FACILITATE VOLUNTARY HABITAT CONSERVATION WORK ON PRIVATE AND TRIBAL LAND THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER. THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM WILL BE THE USFWS LEAD FOR DELIVERING ALL FACETS OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT. AN EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON RESTORING, CREATING AND ENHANCING WETLAND, GRASSLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITATS THAT ARE VITAL TO A WIDE VARIETY OF BIRD POPULATIONS. SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PRACTICES TO BE JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER INCLUDE WETLAND CREATIONS, WETLAND ENHANCEMENTS, WETLAND RESTORATIONS, NATIVE GRASS SEEDINGS, MANAGED GRAZING SYSTEMS, ALTERNATIVE WATERING SYSTEMS FOR LIVESTOCK GRAZING PLANS, AND RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENTS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION (PPR) PORTION OF SOUTH DAKOTA, HOWEVER FUNDS CAN ALSO BE USED TO COMPLETE ELIGIBLE HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN THE PPR PORTIONS OF NORTH DAKOTA AND MONTANA AS NEEDED TO MEET PPR-WIDE CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES. BIRD SPECIES TO BE BEFITTED VIA THESE CONSERVATION ACTIONS INCLUDE MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, GRASSHOPPERS SPARROWS, WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, AND UPLAND SANDPIPERS. ADDITIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE BENEFITS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF IMPROVED GRASSLAND CONDITION AND ENHANCED WATER QUALITY. DURING THE FULL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IT IS PROJECTED THAT 30 INDIVIDUAL HABITAT PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED.

PROVIDE EXPERTISE TO ENHANCE SOUTH DAKOTA NATIVE POLLINATOR HABITAT, BUILD ON EXISTING PARTNERSHIPS TO PROVIDE CONSERVATION TECHNICAL <(>&<)> FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WORKING DIRECTLY WITH PRODUCERS

CREATE A PRECISION AG COORDINATOR POSITION IN SOUTH CENTRALEBRASKA. AMEND 02 IS A NO COST EXTENSION.

INCREASE AWARENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATIONPRACTICES AND USDA AND PARTNER PROGRAMS TO NON-TRADITIONAL PARTNERS,CUSTOMERS, AND HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED IN MISSOURI.

SUPPORT PRIVATE LANDOWNERS INCREASE THE USE OF PRESCRIBED BURNING ONPRIVATE LANDS IN NORTH DAKOTA.

CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - GE

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM

INCREASING CONSERVATION SUPPORT CAPACITY TO ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO INCREASE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF CONSERVATION PLANNING FOR WILDLIFE AND OTHER CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS.

THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT PF WILL FUND THREE BIOLOGISTS WHO WILL ASSIST SERVICE STAFF AND PARTNERS WITH THE CONSERVATION OF APPROXIMATELY 200 ACRES OF GRASSLANDS AND APPROXIMATELY 50 ACRES OF WETLANDS. RESTORED OR ENHANCED WETLAND AND GRASSLAND ACRES WILL PROVIDE QUALITY HABITAT FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS AND GAME SPECIES.

CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING TO NRCS CONSERVATION PLANNERS, FIELD OFFICE STAFF, CONSERVATION DISTRICT EMPLO YEES, AND OTHER CONSERVATION PARTNERS ACROSS ARKANSAS.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A WORKING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SERVICE AND THE RECIPIENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING CONSERVATION ON PRIVATELY OWNED LANDS THROUGH A VARIETY OF ON-THE-GROUND RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT PRACTICES. THE RECIPIENT WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE SERVICE TO IDENTIFY, DEVELOP AND ESTABLISH MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS. ALL PROJECTS WILL BE FACILITATED BY SITESPECIFIC PRIVATE LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS (PLAS) AS APPROVED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE SERVICE. THIS AGREEMENT WILL RESTORE AND ENHANCE HABITATS VARIETY OF FEDERAL TRUST SPECIES INCLUDING MANY SPECIES OF DECLINING GRASSLAND NESTING BIRDS. RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF HABITATS WITHIN HIGH PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MEETING THE POPULATION AND HABITAT OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE SERVICE'S 2022-2026 MOUNTAIN-PRAIRIE REGION STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO MINNESOTA LANDOWNERS IN THE FORESTED REGION.

PROMOTE AND DELIVER PRECISION AGRICULTURAL AND CONSERVATION SOLUTIONSAND DEMONSTRATE THROUGH ENTERPRISE SPECIFIC DATA THAT CONSERVATIONADOPTION CAN INCREASE FARM PROFITS AND PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS INNORTH DAKOTA.

THE SERVICE HEREBY INCORPORATES THE RECIPIENTS APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE SERVICE INTO THESE AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS. THIS AWARD IS MADE BASED ON APPROVAL OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2022 HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AWARD. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAM POLICIES, REFER TO THE GRANT ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS, JANUARY 2021- AMENDED JANUARY 2023. FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL PERMANENTLY PROTECT 1,528.75 ACRES THROUGH FEE TITLE ACQUISITION, ENHANCE 995.2 ACRES, AND RESTORE 452.3 ACRES OF WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO PROTECT, ENHANCE, AND RESTORE 2,976.25 TOTAL ACRES OF HABITAT FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE.

SUPPORT TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN TENNESSEE TO IMPLEMENTONSERVATION PRACTICES TO ENHANCE WILDLIFE/POLLINATOR HABITAT, GRAZING SYSTEMS, WETLAND RESTORATION, AND WATER QUALITY.

PROGRAMMING SUPPORTS A NETWORK OF COOPERATIVE STUDY UNITS TO FACILITATE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO INFORM SCIENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM. THE STUDY UNITS FACILITATE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY SCIENCE AND INTEGRATED INFORMATION PRODUCTS ACROSS MULTIPLE GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM. THE SAGEBRUSH ECOSYSTEMS IN IDAHO, COLORADO, AND WYOMING ARE DEGRADING DUE TO INVASIVE ANNUAL GRASSES. THE COOPERATION OF QUAIL FOREVER, VOLUNTEERS, AND TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT SAGEBRUSH PLANT COMMUNITY RESTORATION THAT WILL ENHANCE POLLINATOR AND WILDLIFE HABITAT. THE PUBLIC WILL BENEFIT FROM SEEING NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS PROVIDING ALL INTENDED ECOSYSTEMS SERVICES. BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

PROMOTE AND DELIVER PRECISION AGRICULTURAL AND CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS, IMPLEMENT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, AND VALIDATE ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN NORTH DAKOTA.

PATH TO THE UPLANDS COLLABORATION

THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS BY BRIDGING THE GAP OF CONSERVATION AND INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE.

NRCS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER ARE PARTNERING TOGETHER TO PROVID 2 EMPLOYEES WHO WILL FURTHER THE CONSERVATION MISSION IN OKLAHOMA.

MOSES COULEE POST-FIRE GREATER SAGE GROUSE AND COLUMBIA BASIN PYGMY RABBIT HABITAT RESTORATION

PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC. (PF) WILL HELP IDENTIFY AND COORDINATE MULTIPLE PRIORITY CONSERVATION PROJECTS WITHIN THE MOUNTAIN HOME AIRFORCE BASE (MHAFB) AS DESCRIBED IN THE INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN (INRMP) AND FURTHER GUIDED BY THE RECENTLY COMPLETED 0.5M RESOLUTION VEGETATION INVENTORY (VI). THIS AGREEMENT WILL FOCUS ON PROJECTS THAT WILL ADDRESS NATURAL RESOURCE ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY THE VI INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INVASIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, POST-FIRE RESTORATION, AND MONITORING. PROJECTS WILL IMPLEMENT THESE ACTIONS WITH THE GOAL OF SHIFTING VEGETATION TYPES ON MHAFB MANAGED PROPERTIES FROM A NON-NATIVE FIRE-PRONE COVER TO A NATIVE FIRE-RESISTANT COVER UTILIZING THE VI TO PRIORITIZE WORK.

PRESCRIBED BURN COORDINATOR

MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE HABITAT RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP

ESTABLISH A GRASSLANDS COORDINATING WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST POSITION TOEXPAND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN ARKANSAS

INCREASE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION ON PRIVATE LANDS IN TEXAS RESULTING IN SUSTAINED AND IMPROVED WILDLIFE HABITAT THROUGH VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION.

COOPERATIVE HABITAT RENOVATION FOR GRASSLAND BIRDS

ENGAGE AND ACCELERATE INTEREST IN CONSERVATION PROGRAMS THAT WILL IMPROVE/RESTORE BREEDING AND FORAGING HABITAT AND MONARCH BUTTERFLY MIGRATION HABITAT ON PRIVATE LANDS IN ARKANSAS.

WETLAND EASEMENT TEAM SPECIALIST

PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC., WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IN MINNESOTA TO ASSIST IN ADMINISTERING THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM FOR THE BENEFIT OF FEDERAL TRUST RESOURCES ON PRIVATE LAND OWNED OR UNDER EASEMNT BY PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC. OR THE SERVICE. THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE GRASSLAND AND WETLAND RESOURCES IN HIGH PRIORITY AREAS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE JOINT VENTURE, MINNESOTA PRAIRIE CONSERVATION PLAN, AND THE MINNESOTA PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS, FUNDS WILL BE OBLIGATED AND SPENT ON HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE LAND THAT MEET FWS 640.1 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM POLICIES. GOALS ARE TO RESTORE APPROXIMATELY 76 ACRES OF WETLAND AND 542 ACRES OF UPLANDS IN HIGH PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA.

INCREASED FARM BILL PROGRAM DELIVERY AND SUPPORT THROUGH THEDEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PLANNING TOOLS, ENHANCED COORDINATION AND TRAINING, ENHANCED CONSERVATION PLANNINGAND TECHNICAL ASSIS

2017 PRAIRIE POTHOLE JOINT VENTURE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN CONSERVATION DELIVERY IN NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA AND MINNESOTA

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LEARN TO HUNT UPLAND GAME DIGITAL COURSE TO STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC R3 EFFORTS OF DIVERSE HUNTERS.PROJECT ABSTRACT:THE LONG-TERM DECLINE IN SMALL GAME HUNTER PARTICIPATION IS A SERIOUS NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONCERN THAT WILL REQUIRE A COORDINATED EFFORT TO ADDRESS. SMALL GAME LICENSE SALES ARE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO CONSERVATION FUNDING AND PROVIDE A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH. IN LESS THAN 6 YEARS AFTER PEOPLE GRADUATE FROM HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS, OVER HALF WILL STOP HUNTING AND BUYING LICENSES DUE IN PART TO A LACK OF SUPPORT AND NEED FOR CONTINUED EDUCATION. THOUGH A FEW BASIC ON-LINE RESOURCES HAVE BEEN CREATED BY VARIOUS STAKEHOLDER GROUPS, MORE SPECIFIC ASSETS ARE NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE GROWING VOLUME OF THOSE INTERESTED IN UPLAND GAME HUNTING. AT PRESENT THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN STATE HUNTER ED COURSES FOCUSED ON CERTIFICATION AND COMPLIANCE, AND THE IN THE FIELD PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDING OF UPLAND HUNTING. PHEASANTS FOREVER AND KEY PARTNERS WILL STRATEGICALLY BUILD A LEARN TO HUNT UPLAND GAME DIGITAL COURSE THAT WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE, AND THE STREAMING PLATFORM WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL R3 PRACTITIONERS TO UTILIZE NATIONWIDE BEYOND BOUNDARIES. THESE SELF-SUSTAINING ONLINE RESOURCES CAN IMPROVE THE RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND REACTIVATION OF HUNTERS BY REACHING LARGE DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN A MUCH MORE CONVENIENT AND EFFECTIVE FORMAT. GIVEN THE QUALITY PRODUCTION OF HIGH-DEF VIDEOS, THE MODULES GENERATED IN THIS PROJECT WILL BE USEFUL TO AGENCIES AND PARTNERS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME, ALLOWING THE GRANT TO CONTINUE DELIVERING ITS MISSION LONG-TERM.JUST AS IMPORTANT TO ADDRESSING THE GAPS OF ONLINE EDUCATION RESOURCES, THE NECESSITY TO ENGAGE NEW AUDIENCES IS A STRATEGIC PRIORITY OF THIS PROJECT. THE HUNTING COMMUNITY CURRENTLY LACKS DIVERSITY AND CLEAR AVENUES FOR WOMEN AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE POPULATIONS TO JOIN ITS RANKS. THE PROPOSED MODULES WILL BE INTENTIONAL, REPRESENTATIVE, AND WELCOMING TO PEOPLE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TO HELP OVERCOME CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS WITH UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES. THIS PROJECT WILL STRATEGICALLY EMPLOY RELATABLE CONTENT CREATED WITH, BY, AND FOR A DIVERSE GROUP OF SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS TO BE AUTHENTIC AND HAVE LASTING BENEFITS. THESE RESOURCES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO EXPONENTIALLY INCREASE THE EFFICACY OF ATTEMPTS TO INVOLVE A BROADER CONSTITUENT BASE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION, WITH CONSIDERABLY MORE PARTICIPANTS THAN WHAT OUR IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS HAVE CAPACITY TO DO.OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO ADAPT TO THE NEEDS OF CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS, ALLOWING US TO MEET INDIVIDUALS WHERE THEY ARE AT TODAY, AND CREATE A SIMPLE PATHWAY BY GIVING PARTICIPANTS THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO PREPARE THEM FOR SUCCESSFUL IN-PERSON HUNTING EXPERIENCES. THE ONLINE COURSE WILL GIVE INDIVIDUALS THE NEEDED EDUCATION, AND CHALLENGE THEM TO USE THESE APPLIED SKILLS TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT HUNTER-CONSERVATIONISTS AND ADVOCATES OF OUR LAND, WATER, AND WILDLIFE.

INCREASE CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CAPACITY BY PROVIING A QUAIL FOREVER FARM BILL WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST IN THE BLACKLAND PRAIRIE REGION OF MISSISSIPPI.

NEBRASKA PRAIRIE AND WETLAND HABITAT RESTORATION PARTNERSHIP

UPLAND GAME BIRD HABITAT

THE PURPOSE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A WORKING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SERVICE AND THE RECIPIENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING CONSERVATION ON PRIVATELY OWNED LANDS THROUGH A VARIETY OF ON-THE-GROUND RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT PRACTICES. THE RECIPIENT WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE SERVICE TO IDENTIFY, DEVELOP AND ESTABLISH MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS. ALL PROJECTS WILL BE FACILITATED BY SITE-SPECIFIC PRIVATE LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS (PLAS) AS APPROVED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE SERVICE. THIS AGREEMENT WILL RESTORE AND ENHANCE HABITATS VARIETY OF FEDERAL TRUST SPECIES INCLUDING MANY SPECIES OF DECLINING GRASSLAND NESTING BIRDS. RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF HABITATS WITHIN HIGH PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MEETING THE POPULATION AND HABITAT OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE SERVICE S 2022-2026 MOUNTAIN-PRAIRIE REGION STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM.

RESTORATION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONSERVATION OF GRASSLANDS AND RANGELANDS

2021 PHEASANTS FOREVER AND PFW COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC., WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IN THE PROJECT AREA TO ASSIST IN ADMINISTERING THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM FOR THE BENEFIT OF FEDERAL TRUST RESOURCES ON PRIVATE LAND OWNED OR UNDER EASEMENT BY PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC. OR THE SERVICE. OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE GRASSLAND AND WETLAND RESOURCES IN HIGH PRIORITY AREAS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE JOINT VENTURE, THE MINNESOTA PRAIRIE CONSERVATION PLAN AND THE MINNESOTA PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM STRATEGIC PLAN. FUNDS WILL BE OBLIGATED AND SPENT ON CAPACITY SUPPORT (PERSONNEL) AND HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE LANDS THAT MEET FWS 640.1 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM POLICIES. GOALS ARE TO RESTORE APPROXIMATELY 500 ACRES OF WETLAND AND UPLANDS IN HIGH PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS THROUGHOUT MINNESOTA.

USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER PARTNERSHIP NUMBER 3

A MAJOR CHALLENGE AFFECTING OUR RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND REACTIVATION EFFORTS TODAY IS THAT PROGRAMS HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN HELD AS ONE AND DONE EVENTS. PARTICIPANTS CONTINUE TO LACK THE CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE NEEDED TO BECOME SELF IDENTIFIED HUNTERS AFTER THESE SINGLE DAY RECRUITMENT EFFORTS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHURN RATE REGARDING WOMEN IN HUNTING AND SHOOTING SPORTS IS A PROBLEM WE LOOK TO EXAMINE AND ADDRESS. LAST YEAR, THE CALIFORNIA WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION AND CHRISTINE THOMAS, FOUNDER OF THE BECOMING AND OUTDOORS WOMAN PROGRAM, SPEARHEADED A MAJOR NATIONAL STUDY TO IDENTIFY THE R3 NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF FEMALE HUNTERS, SHOOTERS, AND ARCHERS. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE GAINED THROUGH THIS NATIONAL STUDY ON WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS NOT BE WASTED, THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED AND A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY TO RETAIN THESE WOMEN BY PROVIDING THEM WITH THE NEXT STEPS SPECIFIC TO THEIR EXPERIENCE AND INTEREST LEVELS.OUR PROPOSAL ONE BUT NOT DONE PROJECT WILL BUILD ON THE PREVIOUS RESEARCH BY TAKING THE INFORMATION GAINED FROM THE 2021 STUDY AND PUTTING IT INTO ACTION THROUGH A COORDINATED NATIONAL EFFORT. USING THE LESSONS LEARNED AND QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN LAST YEAR S STUDY, THIS FOLLOW UP PROJECT WILL CAPITALIZE ON THE EXISTING DATASET OF MORE THAN 10,000 FEMALE HUNTERS, SHOOTERS, ARCHERS AND R3 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS BY DIRECTING THESE INDIVIDUALS TO FOLLOW UP EVENTS AND PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE THEM WITH THE NEXT STEPS TO BECOMING INDEPENDENT OUTDOORSWOMEN.THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT IS TO ENSURE THAT MOMENTUM IS NOT LOST BY BUILDING ON THE EXISTING DATASET OF FEMALE PARTICIPANTS AND IMPLEMENTING THE PREVIOUS STUDY S RESEARCH FINDINGS, THIS PROJECT WILL ENTAIL CONCRETE ACTIONS TO RETAIN CURRENT FEMALE PARTICIPANTS.TO INITIATE THE PROJECT, THE TEAM WILL CONVENE A NATIONAL WORKSHOP OF R3 PRACTITIONERS AND EVENT PARTNERS TO PRESENT THE LESSONS LEARNED AND FINDINGS OF THE 2021 RESEARCH.DURING THIS WORKSHOP, PARTNERS AND R3 PRACTITIONERS WILL WORK TOGETHER TO DEVELOP A ROBUST INVENTORY AND CALENDAR OF UPCOMING 2023 EVENTS TOSHARE AND PROVIDE WOMEN WITH THE NECESSARY NEXT STEPS TO INCREASE THEIR COMPETENCE AND CONFIDENCE INHUNTING AND SHOOTING SPORTS.THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PROJECT ENTAILS STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT THE PROJECT TEAM WILLCOORDINATE WITH ALL WOMEN S R3 EVENT AND PROGRAM PRACTITIONERS TO PREPARE INVITATIONS AND INFORMATIONTO PROVIDE THE POOL OF MORE THAN 10,000 FEMALE HUNTERS, SPORT SHOOTERS, AND ARCHERS.THE THIRD PHASE OF THE PROJECT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF 2023 THE PROJECT TEAM WILL RE INTERVIEW WOMEN FROM THE DATASET TO DETERMINE WHICH EVENTS THEY COMPLETED HOW THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THEACTIVITIES CHANGED HOW THEY NOW RATE THEIR COMPETENCE, CONFIDENCE, AUTONOMY, SKILLS, AND OTHERFACTORS AND WHICH VARIABLES MOST IMPACTED THEIR CONTINUED INVOLVEMENT IN THE ACTIVITIES.THIS PROJECT WILL BUILD ON RECENT R3 RESEARCH BY TAKING THE INFORMATION GAINED FROM A MAJOR 2021 STUDY WITH FEMALEHUNTERS, SPORT SHOOTERS, AND ARCHERS AND PUTTING IT INTO ACTION THROUGH A COORDINATED NATIONAL EFFORT. THE PROJECT ENTAILS A MAJOR PRE AND POST EVALUATION TO SYSTEMATICALLY DETERMINE THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCES, SUPPORT, ANDOTHER FACTORS TO INCREASE AND MAINTAIN WOMEN S PARTICIPATION. THIS UNIQUE LONGITUDINAL PROJECT WILL PROVIDE ESSENTIAL PATHWAYS ACROSS AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS TO CURRENT PARTICIPANTS AND ASSESS THE IMPACT OF SINGLE AND MULTI DAY EVENTS AND FOLLOW UP OPPORTUNITIES. THE PROJECT WILL GENERATE NEW ACTIONABLE RETENTION RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THECOMMUNITY CAN IMMEDIATELY PUT INTO USE.

IMPROVING MULE DEER HABITAT QUALITY IN WINTER RANGE

THIS PROJECT TAKES PLACE ALONG THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER RIPARIAN CORRIDOR THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER BASIN IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RIVERS IN AMERICA FROM A WILDLIFE STANDPOINT, HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE THE YELLOWSTONE IS AN AMERICAN GEM MAJOR WATER QUALITY ISSUES IN THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER BASIN YRB ARE SEDIMENT, TRACE ELEMENTS, AND STREAM HABITAT DEGRADATION RESIDENTIAL EXPANSION INTO RURAL AREAS AFFECT THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER RIPARIAN CORRIDOR IN THE PROPOSED PROJECT AREA POMPEY S PILLAR NATIONAL MONUMENT AND YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA ARE RIPARIAN COTTONWOOD FLOODPLAIN WITH MARGINAL TO GOOD ABANDONED AGRICULTURAL FIELDS BEING RESTORED TO NATIVE HABITAT HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS CONTROL SEDIMENT AND ENHANCE THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM IRRIGATION WATER HAS BEEN GREATLY REDUCED WITH OUR LAND USE CHANGES, WHICH HAS HAD A POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE RIVER OPEN SPACES THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH QUALITY HABITAT SET AN EXAMPLE FOR RIVER HEALTH OR WILDLIFE POPULATION MANAGEMENT WILD TURKEYS THRIVE IN THE RIPARIAN FLOODPLAIN THE BOTTOMS CAN PROVIDE GREAT WINTER COVER FOR SHARP TAILED GROUSE AND RING NECKED PHEASANTS AN OIL SPILL JUST UPSTREAM OF BILLINGS IN 2011 WAS DEVASTATING BUT A CLEAN AND FUNCTIONAL RIVER SYSTEMS ARE RESILIENT ENOUGH TO SURVIVE DEVASTATING EVENTS QUALITY GRASSLANDS ON THE SECONDARY FLOODPLAIN MITIGATES FLOOD EVENTS, IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF PUBLIC LAND HOLDINGS SUCH AS POMPEY S PILLAR NATIONAL MONUMENT AND YELLOWSTONE RIVER WMA STATEMENT OF NEED THIS PROPOSAL BUILDS UPON PAST PARTNERSHIPS TO ENHANCE AND RESTORE WILDLIFE HABITAT ON PUBLIC LANDS ALONG THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER CORRIDOR IN MONTANA THIS PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES FOUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS THAT ARE SIGNATORIES ON A COOPERATIVE HABITAT AGREEMENT THAT HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2009 PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC WITH SUBSIDIARY HABITAT FOREVER MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS YELLOWSTONE CHAPTER OF PHEASANTS FOREVER AND THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT THE BLM MONTANA DAKOTAS WILDLIFE PROGRAM INTENDS TO ADVANCE THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR S PRIORITIES TO ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND RESTORE BALANCE ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS THIS PROPOSAL HAS A HISTORY AND WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT AND INCREASE BIODIVERSITY, INCREASE THE LANDS RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, HELP LEVERAGE NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS, AND CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVING AT LEAST 30 PERCENT OF OUR LANDS AND WATERS BY 2030 WE HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT STATE WILDLIFE AGENCIES LIKE MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS TO MEET STATE WILDLIFE POPULATIONS OBJECTIVES RESTORING AND ENHANCING PUBLIC LANDS THAT THE PUBLIC ENJOYS ENHANCES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO WILDLIFE OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR URBAN, RURAL, AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE PROJECT GEOGRAPHY E G BILLINGS, MONTANA

CANYON COUNTRY OUTDOOR EDUCATION

PROVIDE TARGETED OUTREACH TO WOMEN AND HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED PRIVATELANDOWNERS AND OPERATORS IN NORTH DAKOTA TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION INUSDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

MT DAK SPORTSMAN ACCESS AND HABITAT RESTORATION

PHEASANTS FOREVER, (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE RECIPIENT) AND THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE SERVICE) ARE INTERESTED IN MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION PRACTICES THAT PROTECT, RESTORE, AND ENHANCE NATIVE GRASSLAND HABITAT THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF KANSAS FOR FEDERAL TRUST SPECIES (I.E., GRASSLAND NESTING BIRDS, MIGRATORY BIRDS, AND FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES). THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO BUILD A FUNDING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SERVICE AND THE RECIPIENT. THIS PARTNERSHIP WILL FACILITATE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE SERVICE AND THE RECIPIENT ON VARIOUS HABITAT RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF KANSAS. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS TO RESTORE, ENHANCE, ESTABLISH, AND MANAGE NATIVE HABITAT TO BENEFIT WILDLIFE SPECIES INCLUDING, GRASSLAND NESTING BIRDS (E.G., UPLAND SANDPIPER, LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, HENSLOWS SPARROW, DICKCISSELS, AND BOBOLINKS), REPTILES (E.G.,TEXAS HORNED LIZARD), INSECTS (E.G., AMERICAN BURYING BEETLES, REGAL FRITILLARY BUTTERFLIES), PLANTS (E.G.,WESTERN PRAIRIE FRINGED ORCHIDS), AND OTHER NATIVE SPECIES FOUND THROUGHOUT THE STATE. THE PROJECT INVOLVES RESTORING NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES AND ENHANCING THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND VALUES OF WILDLIFE HABITAT BY: (A) REMOVING INVASIVE WOODY SPECIES (B) FACILITATING LANDSCAPE SCALE INCREASES IN HETEROGENEITY BY IMPLEMENTING PRESCRIBED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES (C) IMPROVING HABITAT CONDITIONS ON LARGE TRACTS OF INTACT GRASSLAND BY REDUCING FRAGMENTATION (D) CONDUCTING FACILITATING OUTREACH AND EDUCATION CONCERNING HABITAT RESTORATION, AND (E) DEMONSTRATING SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF UPLANDS, WETLANDS, RIPARIAN AREAS AND STREAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF KANSAS.

HE FOSTER CREEK MCCARTNEY CREEK WATERSHEDS HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY HISTORIC LAND USE THAT RESULTED IN HIGH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO EROSION EVENTS AND STREAMBED INCISION. FUNNELING SOIL AND WATER QUICKLY OUT OF THESE SYSTEMS. NOW THE UPLANDS IN THESE AREAS ARE DOMINATED BY RANGELANDS OR CROPLAND WITHIN THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM, STATE ACRES FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM, SAGE GROUSE INITIATIVE PRACTICES, GRAZING MANAGEMENT PLANS AND SOME ARE UNDER CONSERVATION EASEMENTS TO ENSURE LONG-TERM PROTECTION BY CHELAN DOUGLAS LAND TRUST OR THE NATURE CONSERVANCY. THESE AREAS OF HIGH DENSITY, QUALITY SAGEBRUSH HABITAT HAVE RESULTED IN VAST AREAS OF NATIVE COVER PROVIDING HABITAT FOR SAGEBRUSH OBLIGATE SPECIES. SINCE THE ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES THAT HAVE IMPROVED THE HABITAT QUALITY OF THE SAGEBRUSH UPLANDS IT HAS BECOME A PRIORITY AREA FOR COLUMBIA BASIN PYGMY RABBIT, SAGE GROUSE, AND SAGEBRUSH HABITAT CONSERVATION IN WASHINGTON. THESE AREAS WERE IDENTIFIED AS MEDIUM-HIGH PRIORITY CORE AREA BY THE ARID LANDS INITIATIVE. THERE ARE SEVERAL LEKS WITHIN THIS AREA THAT HAVE RESULTED IN FURTHER CONSERVATION MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED SUCH AS FENCE REMOVAL, FENCE MARKING, VIRTUAL FENCE, WET MEADOW RESTORATION, SPRING DEVELOPMENT AND SPRING RESTORATION PROJECTS. SINCE THE LARGE-SCALE FIRES THAT OCCURRED IN 2020, SEVERAL ARID LANDS INITIATIVE AND WASHINGTON SHRUBSTEPPE RESTORATION AND RESILIENCE INITIATIVE PARTNERS HAVE IMPLEMENTED FURTHER UPLAND PERENNIAL BUNCHGRASS AND SHRUB RESTORATION PROJECTS AS WELL AS OTHER INSTREAM RESTORATION AND RIPARIAN PLANTING PROJECTS. THE RIPARIAN AND WET MEADOW WORK WILL COINCIDE WITH LOW-TECH INSTREAM PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION THAT IS ON-GOING IN THE SYSTEM PARTIALLY FUNDED BY FY 23 SAGE BIL FUNDING, WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AND WA PFW. PLANTINGS WILL BE PLANNED TO ADD MORE STRUCTURE TO THE SYSTEM TO RESTORE HABITAT BUT ALSO PROVIDE FOOD FOR BEAVER TO BE ABLE TO COLONIZE THE AREA AND EVENTUALLY TAKE OVER MAINTENANCE OF THE WATERSHED. PLANTINGS WILL ALSO BE STRATEGIC AND FOCUSED IN AREAS WHERE PLANTING CERTAIN SPECIES CAN OUTCOMPETE OR SHADE SOME OF THE WEEDS THAT HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF GREATER WATER AVAILABILITY FOLLOWING IN-STREAM STRUCTURE INSTALLATION. EARLY DETECTION RAPID RESPONSE WORK TO MONITOR AND MANAGE WEEDS WILL BE ESTABLISHED COMPLETED WHERE PERMITTED ON PRIVATE LANDS INCLUDING ARID LAND INITIATIVE PARTNERS (THE NATURE CONSERVANCY AND CHELAN DOUGLAS LAND TRUST) TO DETECT NOXIOUS WEEDS AND OR INVASIVE PLANTS EARLY AND FOLLOW UP WITH IMMEDIATE TREATMENT. THIS DEDICATED CAPACITY FOR WEED MANAGEMENT WILL ALLOW FOR EARLIER DETECTIONS AND TREATMENT BEFORE PROBLEMS INCREASE IN SCALE. THIS WORK WILL ALSO ALLOW FOR IDENTIFYING AREAS WHERE LARGER SCALE TREATMENT AND RESOURCES MAY BE REQUIRED FROM PARTNERS TO IMPROVE AND OR PROTECT PRIORITY SAGEBRUSH CORE HABITAT. C)SHRUB RESTORATION (SAGE AND ANTELOPE BITTERBRUSH) IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE CASCADES WHERE SAGEBRUSH HABITAT HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY SEVERAL FIRES IN RECENT YEARS THAT HAVE PREVENTED ADEQUATE SHRUB RECOVERY. THESE AREAS WILL INCLUDE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LANDS WITHIN MULE DEER (STATE TRUST SPECIES) WINTERING RANGE AND MIGRATION CORRIDORS. ASSIST FOSTER CREEK CONSERVATION DISTRICT WITH EXPANDED OUTREACH TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN ANEW PRIORITY AREA FOR MSGCP ENROLLMENT AND SITE PLAN PREPARATION FOR NEW ENROLLEES.

POST-FIRE GREATER SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT RESTORATION (WA)

TA TO INCREASE CAPACITY FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SGE GROUSE INITIATIVE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS TO FORM A FIVE-YEAR STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIP IN SOUTH DAKOTA BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) AND PHEASANTS FOREVER TO FACILITATE VOLUNTARY HABITAT CONSERVATION WORK ON PRIVATE AND TRIBAL LAND THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER. THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM WILL BE THE USFWS LEAD FOR DELIVERING ALL FACETS OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT. AN EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON RESTORING, CREATING AND ENHANCING WETLAND, GRASSLAND AND RIPARIAN HABITATS THAT ARE VITAL TO A WIDE VARIETY OF BIRD POPULATIONS. SPECIFIC CONSERVATION PRACTICES TO BE JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE USFWS AND PHEASANTS FOREVER INCLUDE WETLAND CREATIONS, WETLAND ENHANCEMENTS, WETLAND RESTORATIONS, NATIVE GRASS SEEDINGS, MANAGED GRAZING SYSTEMS, ALTERNATIVE WATERING SYSTEMS FOR LIVESTOCK GRAZING PLANS, AND RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENTS. BIRD SPECIES TO BE BEFITTED VIA THESE CONSERVATION ACTIONS INCLUDE MALLARDS, NORTHERN PINTAILS, RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, GRASSHOPPERS SPARROWS, WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, AND UPLAND SANDPIPERS. ADDITIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE BENEFITS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF IMPROVED GRASSLAND CONDITION AND ENHANCED WATER QUALITY. DURING THE FULL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IT IS PROJECTED THAT 20 INDIVIDUAL HABITAT PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED

DOI SAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT

ARIZONA IS KNOWN FOR ITS UNIQUE AND DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS, INCLUDING DESERTS, FORESTS, GRASSLANDS, AND RIPARIAN AREAS. HOWEVER, THESE ECOSYSTEMS FACE SIGNIFICANT THREATS DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, LAND USE CHANGES, AND INVASIVE SPECIES. THE SCOPE OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM AND PHEASANTS FOREVER QUAIL FOREVER IS TO ENHANCE HABITAT FOR FEDERAL TRUST SPECIES BY WORKING WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS. IN ADDITION, THIS AGREEMENT AIMS TO RESTORE AND IMPROVE THE BIODIVERSITY OF ARIZONAS ECOSYSTEMS THROUGH LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS. THE PROJECTS WILL FOCUS ON RESTORING DEGRADED HABITATS, CONSERVING THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND CONTROLLING INVASIVE SPECIES ON PRIVATE LANDS IN ARIZONA. WE ANTICIPATE TWO OR MORE LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, TRIBES, CITIES, OR COUNTIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE WETLANDS, UPLANDS, AND RIPARIAN AREAS THROUGH VARIOUS TECHNIQUES. THE PRACTICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO REMOVING NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE TREES, INSTALLING EROSION CONTROL STRUCTURES, LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT, INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL, NATIVE VEGETATION PLANTING, WATER ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES, AND OTHER PRACTICES.

THIS PROJECT WILL SUPPORT A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (FWS), PHEASANTS FOREVER INC AND QUAIL FOREVER. IT WILL FURTHER THE PARTNERSHIP BY SUPPORTING CAREERS IN CONSERVATION AND SUPPORT A PARTNERSHIP POSITION TO DEVELOP AND BUILD BIOLOGIST TRAINING FOR PARTNERSHIP POSITIONS.

ADD THREE WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS TO ASSIST IN USDA EASEMENT PROGRAMS.

THIS PROPOSAL BUILDS UPON THE HABITAT PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT EFFORTS THAT HAVE ALREADY TAKEN PLACE TO CONSERVE WETLANDS AND ASSOCIATED UPLANDS IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION (PPR) OF MINNESOTA. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARE ACCELERATING OUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE SOUTHERN RED RIVER VALLEY (SRRV) OF MINNESOTA.

2020 PHEASANTS FOREVER, INC. & PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

RESTORE OR ENHANCE WETLAND AND UPLAND HABITAT.

CREATING A HUNTING MENTOR COMMUNICATION TOOLKIT

THIS NAWCA PROPOSAL WILL ACQUIRE, RESTORE AND ENHANCE 972.91 ACRES OF PRAIRIE GRASSLAND AND WETLAND HABITATS TO BENEFIT NESTING AND MIGRATING WATERFOWL AS WELL AS OTHER GRASSLAND BIRDS AND WILDLIFE. THE PROPOSAL AREA IS AS FOLLOWS. IOWA COUNTIES: BUTLER, CALHOUN, CERRO GORDO, CLAY, DICKINSON, EMMET, FRANKLIN, HANCOCK, KOSSUTH, MITCHELL, PALO ALTO, POCAHONTAS, WINNEBAGO, WORTH AND WRIGHT. MINNESOTA COUNTIES: BLUE EARTH, BROWN, FARIBAULT, FREEBORN, MARTIN, STEELE AND WASECA.

PROMOTING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN CONSERVATION AND AGRICULTURE. THE PROJECT WILL DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS PRIMARILY AT HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUS) AND TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

PHEASANTS FOREVER WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) PFW (PARTNERS FOR WILDLIFE) FOR THE BENEFIT OF FEDERAL TRUST RESOURCES ON PRIVATE LAND. OUR GOAL IS TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE WETLANDS, NATIVE PRAIRIE, BOTTOMLAND FOREST, AND OAK SAVANNA ON PRIVATE LANDS ACROSS ILLINOIS, WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON THE USFWS PARTNERS FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM S FOCUS AREA OF EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS. FUNDS WILL BE SPENT ON HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS ON PRIVATE LANDS THAT MEET FWS 640.1 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM POLICIES.

CENTRAL NEBRASKA FARM BILL BIOLOGIST AND PRECISION AG CONSERATION

SUPPORTING CONSERVATION OUTCOMES, ADDRESSING CHANGING LAND OWNERSHIP DYNAMICS, AND DEVELOPING PRIORITY POLLINATOR HABITAT

THIS REQUEST IS TO SUPPORT 50% OF A PRECISION AG CONSERVATION SPECIALIST (PACS) POSITION FOR THREE YEARS. THE PURPOSE OF THE PACS IS TO MEET WITH LANDOWNERS AND IDENTIFY AREAS OF THEIR FARM THAT ARE LOWER PRODUCING AND/OR REVENUE NEGATIVE (SEE ATTACHMENT) AND PROVIDE OTHER LAND USES (E.G. USDA CONSERVATION PROGRAMS, STATESIDE PROGRAMS, FORAGE PRODUCTION, ETC.) THAT INCREASE NET PROFIT, REDUCE INPUTS AND PROVIDE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF DIVERSITY, SOIL HEALTH, WATER QUALITY, AND WILDLIFE

2017 PHEASANTS FOREVER AND PFW COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

NEBRASKA MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT

SHARED WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST

2016 PHEASANTS FOREVER AND PFW COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

2015 PHEASANTS FOREVER AND PFW COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM

THE PURPOSE OF THIS COOP AGREEMENT IS TO BUILD A CAPACITY AND FUNDING PARTNERSHIP TO FACILITATE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE RECIPIENT PHEASANTS FOREVER AND THE SERVICE ON VARIOUS MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE CONSERVATION EFFORTS THAT BENEFIT PRIORITY LANDSCAPES OF NORTHEAST WYOMING THE OVERALL GOAL IS TO A CREATE THE NECESSARY CAPACITY PF BIOLOGISTS TO RESTORE, ENHANCE, MANAGE, MONITOR, AND EVALUATE UPLAND AND MESIC HABITAT AND B CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS POPULATION AND HABITAT OBJECTIVES FOR FEDERALLY LISTED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES, OTHER FEDERAL TRUST RESOURCES, STATE DESIGNATED PRIORITY SPECIES AND IMPORTANT SPECIES OF OUR CONSERVATION PARTNERS THIS PARTNERSHIP EFFORT WILL ALSO ATTRACT ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM OTHER SOURCES THIS AGREEMENT ARRANGEMENT WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND VALUES OF NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS IN WYOMING THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE AND ENHANCE WET MEADOW WETLAND AND UPLAND HABITATS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES NATIVE TO THE AREA RESTORATION OF HABITATS FROM THIS PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS MEETING HABITAT OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE SERVICE S 2022 2026 MOUNTAIN PRAIRIE REGION STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM, AND THE WYOMING STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN, AND IS CONSISTENT WITH AND ALL WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARD THE MISSION OF THE RECIPIENT

THE USFWS S PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM PFWIS PARTNERING WITH PHEASANTS FOREVER INC. QUAIL FOREVER QF TO DELIVER COSTSHARE TO PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN RESTORATION PRIORITY AREAS IN SOUTH CAROLINA. THE FUNDING WILL BE USED TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE NATURAL COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT IMPERILED SPECIES INCLUDING FEDERALLY LISTED AND ATRISK SPECIES AND WHERE POPULATIONS AND HABITAT CORRIDORS OVERLAP THE RANGE OF THE STATES ATRISK NORTHERN BOBWHITE. PHEASANT FOREVERS GOAL IS TO ENHANCE NATURAL OPEN GRASSLAND AND SAVANNA HABITATS THAT SUPPORT SPECIESRICH EARLY SUCCESSIONAL HABITATS COMPRISED OF GRASSES HERBS AND LOW SHRUBS. THESE HABITATS PROVIDE REQUIRED NATURAL RESOURCES FOR NORTHERN BOBWHITE WHERE THEY COEXIST WITH OTHER RARE IMPERILED FEDERALLY LISTED AND ATRISK SPECIES WITH SIMILAR RESOURCE NEEDS. PRESCRIBED BURNING WILL BE INCLUDED FOR MOST PROJECTS. TARGET ECOSYSTEMS AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO PIEDMONT PRAIRIE SHORTLEAF PINE OAK SAVANNA SANDHILLS SAND RIDGE UPLANDS LONGLEAF PINE SAVANNA WOODLAND AND CAROLINA BAY COMPLEXES. POTENTIAL PROJECT SITES SUPPORT IMPERILED SPECIES INCLUDING GEORGIA LEADPLANT TENLOBED FALSE FOXGLOVE RAVINE SEDGE REDCOCKADED WOODPECKER AND SPOTTED TURTLE WITH POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AMERICAN CHAFFSEED SOUTHERN HOGNOSE SNAKE EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE NORTHERN LONGEARED BAT GOPHER FROG FROSTED FLATWOODS SALAMANDER AND OTHERS.FUNDED CONSERVATION PRACTICES WILL RESTORE DEGRADED NATURAL COMMUNITIES INCREASE BIODIVERSITY ENHANCE HABITAT ON PRIVATE LANDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF MIGRATORY BIRDS POLLINATORS AND LISTED ATRISK AND OTHER ENDEMIC SPECIES THAT RESIDE IN SOUTH CAROLINA CHARACTERISTIC LANDSCAPES. LANDOWNERS WILL BE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT AND BETTER CONNECTED TO PARTNERS AND CONTRACTORS ENABLING THE WORK ON THE GROUND TO PERSIST. CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES TO BE FUNDED INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO PRESCRIBED BURNING FIREBREAK CONSTRUCTION FIREBREAK PREPARATION REMOVAL OF DENSE LOBLOLLY PINE THINNING OF PINE STANDS CHEMICAL OR MECHANICAL REDUCTION OF WOODY MIDSTORY COMPETITION IN LONGLEAF STANDS MULCHING SWEETGUM OR POCOSIN SHRUB GROWTH IN FIRE SUPPRESSED LONGLEAF COMMUNITIES INVASIVE EXOTIC PLANT CONTROL AND PLANTING NATIVE VEGETATION.

THE TENNESSEE QUAIL FOREVER (QF) PROGRAM SEEKS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM (PFW) AND PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN TENNESSEE TO RESTORE, ENHANCE, AND PROTECT RARE AND DECLINING ECOSYSTEMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF IMPERILED AND ENDEMIC SPECIES.