Partner Support to the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative for Trumpeter Swan Habitat Enhancement

The summary for the Partner Support to the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative for Trumpeter Swan Habitat Enhancement grant is detailed below. This summary states who is eligible for the grant, how much grant money will be awarded, current and past deadlines, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers, and a sampling of similar government grants. Verify the accuracy of the data FederalGrants.com provides by visiting the webpage noted in the Link to Full Announcement section or by contacting the appropriate person listed as the Grant Announcement Contact. If any section is incomplete, please visit the website for the Bureau of Land Management, which is the U.S. government agency offering this grant.

Partner Support to the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative for Trumpeter Swan Habitat Enhancement: Project Background Information: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI) is a part of the Secretarys Healthy Lands Initiative. WLCI works with partners to implement a long-term science-based program to assess and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats at a landscape scale in Southwest Wyoming, while facilitating responsible energy and other developments. Funds will be used for a WLCI supported project to create wetland areas for trumpeter swan habitat on BLM and private lands near the Green River in the Pinedale Field Office. Funds support wetlands that would be created, managed and maintained with the landowners (BLM and Rimfire Ranch) with coordination from the BLM and Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The project is a part of the trumpeter swan implementation plan developed by the Pacific Flyway Council and part of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department trumpeter swan expansion planning that began in 1992. This project would implement existing wetland construction plans developed with the WY Game and Fish and Rimfire Ranch Project Objective: The main purpose of the WLCI program is to provide for wildlife enhancement projects on a landscape scale in Southwest Wyoming through developing partnerships. The main purpose of this project is to construct wetland habitat developing spring through fall habitat for trumpeter swans and other wetland dependent avian species (i.e. migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, brood-rearing sage-grouse), providing open water space, food and cover for the above mentioned species. This project will serve to fulfill goals of the Pacific Flyway Rocky Mountain Management Plan for Trumpeter Swans (1998) and WYGFD trumpeter swan expansion planning. Benefits: This project will support the WLCI and the Secretary of Interiors Healthy Lands Initiative by providing habitat improvement and enhancement for a BLM Wyoming sensitive species. Wyoming Game and Fish Department will benefit by expanding and enhancing habitat for wildlife species under their legal jurisdiction. Their department is mandated to place priority management efforts toward species that are of special concern due to threats or low population condition. Keeping these BLM and State listed sensitive species off the Endangered Species list is a primary goal. This agreement will also facilitate working with partners such as private landowners, wildlife groups and other government agencies who promote wildlife enhancement and the representation of wildlife interests on public and private lands. A key component of the WLCI is building partnerships with local communities and users, including the wildlife community. Statement of Joint Objectives/Project Management Plan: 1. The landowner will be responsible for managing the water levels and any dike or control structure repairs, as a result of use by livestock or vehicle traffic on dikes. 2. Water levels will be managed at or near full pool levels throughout the ice-free (spring-fall) period. Partial or complete over-winter draw downs will be prescribed as needed to achieve desired conditions in the aquatic and semi-aquatic plant communities. 3. Following monitoring at ice-off, should water volume entering the system not be sufficient to maintain a full pool in each pond, priority should be given to maintaining a full pool in Pond"B". This could be a consideration with extended drought. 4. Grazing management strategies should be employed that prevents shoreline trampling, decreases in wetland water transparency that could inhibit aquatic plant growth, and damage to dikes or control structures. 5. During the re-establishment of re-vegetated sites after construction temporary electric fencing may be used, if needed, to prevent excessive use by livestock. This will be monitored by the landowner and integrated into his holistic grazing management program. 6. Maintenance of the deeper ditch and water conveyance structures will be the responsibility of the Rimfire Ranch. 7. The non-game biologist (project leader Susan Patla, WY G&F) will inspect the site, collect aquatic vegetation data for at least five years after initial filling, and monitor the site for swan use. 8. The landowners and Project leader will collect on site and water management prescriptions, as well as needed management modifications post-development.