Overview: Per the Riparian and Estuarian/Beach Biological Opinion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP) is required to monitor nesting activity of the California least tern (LETE) and western snowy plover (SNPL) which are two federally listed endangered species. This research involves field investigations including observations and documentation of LETE and SNPL behavior, nesting chronology and chick banding. These studies are used to evaluate ongoing LETE and SNPL management practices, specifically military training, predation and vegetation management practices. Specific objectives of this research opportunity include:

1.     Conducting surveys and monitor the nesting success of California least tern and western snowy plover at all existing potential breeding sites.

a.      Surveys shall be conducted by foot and/or vehicle or visual surveys to monitor the nesting activity and success and to document foraging and roosting areas on MCBCP.

b.     Surveys are to be conducted at least two (2) times per week from the start of the tern and plover breeding season (1 March) and continue through 15 September, or until breeding season is determined to be complete whichever is later.

c.      Monitors will document courtship behavior and nesting activity sufficiently to be able to describe the breeding season chronology, roosting locations of adults and fledglings, general use of nesting sites by LETE and SNPL and to document the presence and activity of potential mammalian and avian predators.

d.     Work may be conducted during early morning (0530-0900) and evening (1700-2100) hours.

2.     Data shall be collected on LETE/SNPL site arrival/departure times, presence/absence of LETE/SNPL (number of adults, chicks/fledglings and nests if present), breeding status of each breeding individual/nest, unusual behavior patterns, inter-specific encounters, bands observes (when possible), and any other parameters that the Cooperator or Government agree will contribute to the management of the species.

a.      Banding will occur on as many tern and plover chicks as necessary to accomplish project objectives.

b.     Fledgling counts will be conducted to develop an accurate fledgling survey methodology, utilizing if necessary alternate methodologies such as telemetry or mark recapture to estimate reproductive success.

c.      Methods to estimate breeding population size, daily fledgling survival rate, effects of vegetation density on site selection, nest success and documented causes of nest failure will be provided

3.     The Cooperator shall produce a report that summarizes and analyzes the data collected to assess population trends and breeding success rates.

a.      Report shall contain documenting photographs, including all sites, techniques, methodologies and any significant events.

4.     The Cooperator shall maintain/reestablish the census grid for all tern colonies using a grid scale of 15m, 25m, or 30m per unit, depending on the colony size, and conduct minor fence maintenance.

The overall purpose of this cooperative agreement is to monitor and document the nesting and behavior activity of California least terns and western snowy plovers. All work supports fulfillment of the requirements of the Riparian and Estuarian/Beach Biological Opinion on MCBCP.

Estimated total funding: $1,645,849.00 (if all option years and items are awarded)                                  Estimates Number of Awards: (1)

Item

Anticipated Funding

Base Period LETE (14 months)

$265,769.00

Option Year 1 LETE (Additional Field Year 2027)

$271,178.00

Option Year 2 LETE (Additional Field Year 2028)

$276,685.00

Option Year 3 LETE (Additional Field Year 2029)

$282,285.00

Option Year 4 LETE (Additional Field Year 2030)

$288,019.00

Base Period Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)

$50,319.00

Option Year 1 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)

$51,304.00

Option Year 2 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)

$52,331.00

Option Year 3 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)

$53,381.00

Option Year 4 Option Item (SNPL Monitoring for One Field Season)

$54,578.00

Total Potential Value:

$1,645,849.00