Statement of work threatened and endangered species survey and plan background the endangered species act (ESA) of 1973 (last amended in october 1988) requires that all federal departments and…

Statement of work threatened and endangered species survey and plan background the endangered species act (ESA) of 1973 (last amended in october 1988) requires that all federal departments and agencies seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species. Federal facilities with federally designated endangered and threatened species are required to carry out programs for their conservation. Surveys should be done to determine the presence of state and federally listed species, including federal candidate species if conditions warrant such a survey. In 2008, surveys for the detection of state and federally listed fauna and flora were completed for the 13,800 acres located in the fee area of stennis space center (SSC), mississippi. Following completion of surveys, a final report on threatened and endangered species surveys on stennis space center, mississippi, 2005-2008 were submitted to the SSC environmental office. Reviews and revisions to the survey, which are incorporated into the integrated natural resource management plan (inrmp) are made every five years. A review and update to the existing survey is now required consisting of conducting in-field surveys and a summary report of occurrences of state and federally listed flora and fauna detected within the fee area of SSC. This information will be used to conduct ecosystem management on the land base and will be used in updates and monitoring requirements of the inrmp of SSC. The work effort will be conducted over a 2-year period, with field surveys for state or federally listed animals and plants being accomplished during year 1, and additional spring and winter surveys and report preparation being accomplished during year 2. Deliverables of this project will include an annual report of year 1 findings, a progress report, and a final report at the termination of the project. Geospatial coverages of state and federally listed species will also be submitted. Tasks 1) determine the potential for occurrence of state and federally-listed flora and fauna on SSC fee area through consulting biologists of the U.S. Fish and wildlife service and natural heritage program. Current listing of distributions of rare species will be acquired from these sources during year 1 of study, 2) contact adjacent managers and agency professionals from agencies, such as mississippi department of marine resources, natural heritage program, and department of wildlife, fisheries, and parks, to obtain occurrence records of federally or state listed species indigenous to habitats adjacent to SSC during year 1 of study