Sentinel Ecology and Pyric Herbivory

Post Date

June 25th 2009

Application Due Date

June 26th 2009

Funding Opportunity Number

FWS-R6-RW092140

CFDA Number(s)

15.632

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Cooperative Agreement

Funding Activity Categories

Environment
Natural Resources

Number of Awards

1

Eligibility Categories

Other

This is a single source agreement to be awarded to Oklahoma State University.

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $125000

• Award Range:

  $25000 - $125000

Grant Description

The purpose of this study is to develop a Strategic Habitat Conservation program to restore heterogeneity of native plant and animal species based on the evolutionary grazing patterns associated with pyric-herbivory. To restore the totality of native species the focus of monitoring, management and research will be sentinel ecology; sentinel plants (the first to decline at both poles of natural processes) and their dependent food web-the sentinel animals and sentinel habitats associated with these plants. The study will include the UL Bend NWR, surrounding lands on the Charles M Russell NWR, and adjacent lands held by the American Prairie foundation. This study is a continuation of 2 years prior data collection on CMR by staff from the University. Objectives: 1.) Continue data collection and monitoring of patch burned sites to measure plant response to fire and grazing disturbances over time. 2.) Monitor animal movements and measure selectivity and habitat use of past burn areas over time. 3.) Monitor post burn areas and determine amount of use compared to recently burned areas. 4.) Prepare a series of scientific peer reviewed papers that other refuges in Great Plains can use to make management recommendations concerning treatments to promote heterogeneity of habitats.

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of the Interior

• Office:

  Fish and Wildlife Service

• Agency Contact:

  Andrea Meyer
  Contract Specialist
  Phone 303-236-5412

• Agency Mailing Address:

  Email

• Agency Email Address:

  andrea_meyer@fws.gov