Invasive Species

This is an announcement for issuing a single source financial assistance award to Cornell University for a project titled ⿿Acoustic Monitoring to Assess Impacts of Phragmites australis on Bird and Amphibian Communities⿝. This announcement is for notification purposes only. The intent of the award is to provide funding to Cornell University to test a method of monitoring the effectiveness of biocontrol for the management of Phragmites australis. Phragmites is an aggressive invasive plant that is difficult to manage. A biocontrol organism for Phragmites australis is in the last phases of review for permitting by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Once this is completed, the biocontrol is expected to be released at test locations. An efficient method of monitoring the response of the Phragmites to the biocontrol, as well as the response of the natural community to the changes in the Phragmites, are needed. Phragmites australis has invaded wetlands at many Northeast National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) both inland and along the coast. An outstanding question is whether Phragmites supports migratory birds and how the bird use shifts as a site is restored to natural vegetation. Another question is what is the impact of non-native Phragmites on use of the site by aquatic fauna, such as amphibians. This work will deploy acoustic monitors in Phragmites infested sites and un-infested sites in inland and coastal situations to: 1) test/train the software to discern species vocalizations accurately; and 2) compare bird and anuran (frogs and toads) use between the sites. In addition, stationary acoustic monitoring will be compared with mobile acoustic monitoring with detectors mounted on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) uses sound science to manage and sustain America⿿s lands, water, wildlife, and energy resources, honors our nation⿿s responsibilities to tribal nations, and advocates for America⿿s island communities. As keepers of our nation⿿s legacy, DOI manages natural resources to benefit Americans now and in the future. DOI is developing and implementing cutting edge science and expert management techniques that make this possible. This work will support the following Secretary of Interior⿿s priorities for financial assistance: Creating a conservation stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt Utilize science to identify best practices to manage land and water resources and adapt to changes in the environment. This work is intended to find new and efficient ways to manage an invasive plant that degrades wetland habitats that are important to migratory birds including waterfowl, wading birds, song birds, as well as at-risk species of reptiles and amphibians that NWRs have been charged to conserve. Restoring trust with local communities. Be a better neighbor with those closest to our resources by improving dialogue and relationships with persons and entities bordering our lands. Many land managers, including state agencies and private organizations, struggle with the same challenges as the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). By using sound science and innovation to solve our management challenges we provide new tools for our land management partners as well. The public visits NWRs to enjoy natural places to observe wildlife, photograph beautiful places, and partake of hunting and fishing. Managing invasive plants is part of what we do to support this. Monitoring whether our efforts work in conserving important natural resources is part of sound science. Invasive plants don⿿t respect property lines, therefore, by managing invasive plants on NWRs we contribute to protecting the land of our neighbors. This project is authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742(a) 754); the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, 16 U.S.C. 661 667(e;): and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd).