2620002 SOO 8JAN26.pdf

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

FISCAL YEAR 2026 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

FOR THE MONITORING OF FEDERALLY LISTED BEACH-NESTING BIRDS ON

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA

N62473-26-2-0002

PE3CN4200

A. PURPOSE

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, hereinafter referred to as the Base, is required, per the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Opinion 1-6-95-F-02, Programmatic Activities and Conservation Plans in Riparian and Estuarine/Beach Ecosystems on the Base, to monitor federally listed birds which use the Base beaches to nest, breed and rear young.

The purpose of this Cooperative Agreement is to monitor activity of federally listed beach-nesting birds on the Base.This research will involve field investigations, including the observation and documentation of beach-nesting bird behavior, nesting chronology, and chick banding to evaluate ongoing best management practices specifically concerning military training, predation and vegetation management practices. Species covered under this Agreement shall minimally include the federally endangered California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni, LETE) and Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, SNPL). Additional options as outlined below in Section D may be executed in the future, are subject to the availability of funds, and subject to the Government’s discretion.

Data are to be presented in three (3) formats: a written scientific report (both paper and electronic forms);

electronic raw data using Microsoft Excel software running on IBM AT compatible computers; and Geographic Information System (GIS) formatted data for inclusion in the Base GIS.

B. LOCATION

The Base is located in the northwestern portion of San Diego County, immediately north of Oceanside. The areas covered under this agreement are all potential nesting sites for beach-nesting birds, including LETE and SNPL, on the Base. The specific LETE colonies include: 1) the Santa Margarita River Estuary which contains the Blue Beach North and Blue Beach South sites, the Salt Flats site and the Salt Flats Island site; 2) White Beach; and 3) Red Beach. The areas for nesting surveys and predator control are delineated on the Camp Pendleton Military Installation Map 1:50,000 (Sheet: Camp Pendleton MIM, Series: V795S, Edition: 3-NIMA published by Defense Mapping Agency, 2002).

C. DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES

1. The Grants Officer is Kevin Magennis, Grants Officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

Southwest (NAVFAC SW), 750 Pacific Highway, 12th Floor, San Diego, California, 92132- 5001, telephone (619)-705-5566, and email: kevin.e.magennis.civ@us.navy.mil.

2. The Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative (CATR) is Maria Aguirre, Natural Resources Specialist, Natural Resources Core, Marine Corps Team, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW), 750 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California, 92132-5001, telephone (619) 705- 5579, email: maria.e.aguirre14.civ@us.navy.mil.

The CATR is responsible for ensuring that all work is performed per the requirements and specifications outlined in this Cooperative Agreement, and that the work performed, including all written reports and professional services are of an acceptable technical quality. For this Cooperative Agreement, the CATR shall be the primary point of contact for the Cooperator and Base Representative (including their respective representatives or staffs) regarding any inquiries, questions, concerns, and issues related to the implementation of the requirements and specifications of this Cooperative Agreement. The CATR has no authority to make any changes to this Cooperative Agreement, only the Grants Officer may affect any change to this Cooperative Agreement.

3. The Base Representative (BR) is Travis Wooten, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Security, Box 555008, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5008, telephone (760) 725-3813, email: travis.wooten@usmc.mil.

The Base Representative is responsible for providing the Grants Officer, via the CATR, the technical requirements for this Cooperative Agreement’s statement of objectives specifications. The Base Representative is responsible for providing access to monitoring sites and providing review and comment on Deliverables. The Base Representative has no authority to make any changes to the Cooperative Agreement only the Grants Officer may affect any change to this Cooperative Agreement.

4. Any change in statement of objectives must be issued to the Cooperator, in writing, by the Grants Officer to be binding on the government. No government employee has authority to change this Cooperative Agreement by oral or written directives, instructions, commitments and/or acceptances or any other manner.

5. The Cooperator will designate at time of proposal submission the individual within their organization who is authorized to negotiate with the Cooperative Agreement Administrator. The designation will stipulate the individual’s authority to commit the Cooperator.

D. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT AND OPTION ITEMS

1. The period of performance of this Cooperative Agreement consists of one (1) 14 month Base Period, four

(4) Option Years, and five (5) Option Items. The end date is the anticipated date that the final report is accepted by the Government. The parties may extend the term of the CA by written modification. The exercise of any Option Years and/or Option Year Option Items is subject to the availability of funds and may be awarded unilaterally. All Option Years and Option Year Option Items are subject to the availability of funds, and the Government reserves the right to not award any Option Years and/or Option Year Option Items.

Item Period of Performance Anticipated

Award Date Base Period LETE 14 months from date of award January 29, 2026 Option Year 1 LETE Additional Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2027 Option Year 2 LETE Additional Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2028 Option Year 3 LETE Additional Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2029 Option Year 4 LETE Additional Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2030 Base Period Option Item SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2026 Option Year 1 Option Item SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2027 Option Year 2 Option Item SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2028 Option Year 3 Option Item SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2029 Option Year 4 Option Item SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season 12 months from date of award FY2030

2. A fifteen (15) day period, following the kickoff meeting, will be used for the cooperator to provide preliminary documents to the BR and CATR. Documents include, but are not limited to, Insurance documents/certificates, Accident Prevention Plans/Site Health and Safety Plans (as applicable), Draft Work Plans, etc. Cooperator may not begin performance until preliminary documents are submitted and accepted/approved as appropriate.

3. LETE OPTION YEARS 1 - 4:

OPTION YEAR 1: Additional Field Season - The Cooperator will provide one (1) additional year of LETE monitoring. Option Year 1 will be subject to the requirements outlined in this Statement of Objectives and the associated regulatory documents. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period.

OPTION YEAR 2: Additional Field Season - The Cooperator will provide one (1) additional year of LETE monitoring. Option Year 2 will be subject to the requirements outlined in this Statement of Objectives and the associated regulatory documents. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period.

OPTION YEAR 3: Additional Field Season - The Cooperator will provide one (1) additional year of LETE monitoring. Option Year 3 will be subject to the requirements outlined in this Statement of Objectives and the associated regulatory documents. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period.

OPTION YEAR 4: Additional Field Season-The Cooperator will provide one (1) additional year of LETE monitoring. Option Year 4 will be subject to the requirements outlined in this Statement of Objectives and the associated regulatory documents. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period.

4. SNPL BASE PERIOD OPTION ITEM AND OPTION YEAR OPTION ITEMS 1 - 4:

BASE PERIOD OPTION ITEM: SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season – The Cooperator will conduct nest monitoring for the SNPL once per week between 1 March and 15 September in the exact same manner as described for the LETE in Section G of this document. In addition, the Cooperator shall conduct visual SNPL winter surveys once per week during the non-breeding season (16 September – 28 February) on all potential beaches on Base where roosting flocks might occur.

The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period. The period of performance of Base Period Option Item will be contemporaneous with the Base Period.

OPTION YEAR 1 OPTION ITEM: SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season - The Cooperator will conduct nest monitoring for the SNPL once per week between 1 March and 15 September in the exact same manner as described for the LETE in Section G of this document. In addition, the Cooperator shall conduct visual SNPL winter surveys once per week during the non-breeding season (16 September – 28 February) on all potential beaches on Base where roosting flocks might occur.

The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period. The period of performance of Option Year 1 Option Item will be contemporaneous with Option Year 1.

OPTION YEAR 2 OPTION ITEM: SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season - The Cooperator will conduct nest monitoring for the SNPL once per week between 1 March and 15 September in the exact same manner as described for the LETE in Section G of this document. In addition, the Cooperator shall conduct visual SNPL winter surveys once per week during the non-breeding season (16 September – 28 February) on all potential beaches on Base where roosting flocks might occur. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period. The period of performance of Option

Year 2 Option Item will be contemporaneous with Option Year 2.

OPTION YEAR 3 OPTION ITEM: SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season - The Cooperator will conduct nest monitoring for the SNPL once per week between 1 March and 15 September in the exact same manner as described for the LETE in Section G of this document. In addition, the Cooperator shall conduct visual SNPL winter surveys once per week during the non-breeding season (16 September – 28 February) on all potential beaches on Base where roosting flocks might occur. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period. The period of performance of Option Year 3 Option Item will be contemporaneous with Option Year 3.

OPTION YEAR 4 OPTION ITEM: SNPL Monitoring for one Field Season - The Cooperator will conduct nest monitoring for the SNPL once per week between 1 March and 15 September in the exact same manner as described for the LETE in Section G of this document. In addition, the Cooperator shall conduct visual SNPL winter surveys once per week during the non-breeding season (16 September – 28 February) on all potential beaches on Base where roosting flocks might occur. The Cooperator shall follow the methodology, monitoring and reporting as outlined. The Government reserves the right to exercise this option anytime within the previous period. The period of performance of Option Year 4 Option Item will be contemporaneous with Option Year 4.

E. U.S. MARINE CORPS SERVICES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) will contract with predator management contractor(s) (PMC) for removal of birds, feral mammals, and other predators. The Cooperator will contact and coordinate with the PMC if known or suspected predation is occurring.

2. The Cooperator and/or his/her representative(s) will have access to the following materials through the CATR and Base Representative.

a. Temporary barrier material to identify/protect active nests

b. Informational signs identifying general nest sites

c. Aerial photos of the beaches used by beach-nesting birds

d. Fencing around tern colonies

e. “Keep out" signs around each tern colony

F. COOPERATOR GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators shall visit the designated area as often as necessary and within the limits stated below to accomplish the purpose of this project as detailed further in this Scope.

The Cooperator must comply with all Base security rules, regulations, requirements, and day-to-day operational changes thereto. The Cooperator is specifically prohibited from carrying out any activities not specified in this Agreement unless written approval is obtained from the Base Representative.

2. All Non-Government personnel working on the Base are required to obtain credentials for entry:

a. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton implements the Defense Biometric Identification System

(DBIDS), a Physical Access Control System. Cooperators, contractors and vendors on official business must obtain a DBIDS credential/pass at Base Access Control (Bldg. 41501T). To apply for a pass, the applicant must submit a list of names of all employees working this Cooperative Agreement to their Base Representative. The Base Representative will submit the completed sponsored employee roster to Base Access Control.

b. Complete the MCB Camp Pendleton Approved Company Points of Contact template and a Point of Contact Sponsorship Addendum listing all active contracts they have on Base and submit to Base Access Control at PNDL_CPENDBIDS@usmc.mil.

c. Each employee must complete a SECNAV form 5512 and a government issued ID (must be a federally compliant REAL ID or passport) to the Base Access Control at the PULGAS GATE for processing. The SECNAV 5512 form and further details can be found at the Base Access website:

https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Contractors-Vendors/.

3. Due to the complexity of work, the Cooperator shall provide a Principal Investigator with the following minimum qualifications:

a. The Principal Investigator/Project Manager must have completed a graduate-level degree (MSc required, PhD strongly preferred) in ecology, biology, wildlife biology, zoology or a field related to wildlife sciences from an accredited college or university and the appropriate experience to comply with the requirements of this agreement.

b. The lead field technician must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wildlife biology, zoology or a field related to wildlife sciences from an accredited college or university and the appropriate experience to comply with the requirements of this Agreement. The lead field technician shall also have strong project management experience, have a minimum of 2400 hours of experience (collected over at least three (3) years) in surveying shorebirds, specifically monitoring least terns and snowy plovers, and possess specific knowledge of the general biology, ecology and survey methodology of all species of shorebirds that have the potential to occur within San Diego.

c. All field assistants shall have at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wildlife biology, zoology or a field related to wildlife sciences from an accredited college or university or at least two field seasons of relevant experience to comply with the requirements of this Agreement.

d. The Cooperator shall ensure that all project personnel must coordinate their work with the Base Representative and be able to conduct all duties that will meet the objectives in this Agreement. All necessary state and federal permits, necessary to conduct the activities stated in this Agreement will also be required. All required permits must be submitted to the Base Representative with the project proposal. The Base Representative must review and approve the permits before work can proceed.

e. The Principal Investigator or lead field technician must have a banding permit from the U.S.

Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL), a federal endangered species permit for the banding of LETE and SNPL, and provide evidence of experience in the handling, measuring, and banding of Charadriiform birds. The BBL banding permit must allow for the banding and handling of LETE and SNPL and must be submitted with the project proposal.

4. The Cooperator and his/her field personnel working within training areas on Base are required to obtain and hold a current Administrative Range Safety Officer (RSO) certification. To receive RSO certification, personnel must watch three online videos, read appropriate handouts, and then complete a written test administered by the Range Operations Division. The required videos are available online via the Camp Pendleton 3-part “Range Safety Certification course” at:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC5CD74FD2ACD4843.

Walk-in testing for RSO certification is available every Tuesday and Wednesday (except holidays) from

0900-1215 at Bldg. 25166 in the 25 Area and adjacent to Range 107. No appointment is necessary. All personnel should bring a photo ID to testing. Test rules: The RSO test is open-book. Attendees must bring, in paper or electronic form, all the following documents:

For Admin RSO:

(1) RSO handout (dated 21 Mar 2024),

(2) MCIWEST-MCB CAMPEN ORDER 3500.lA (CAMPENO 3500.1A, dated 05 Jan 2022)

See: http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Staff-Agencies/Assistant-Chief-of-Staff-G-3-5/Range-Operations- Division/

Test attendees shall read all the above material prior to testing, bring a pen or pencil, and ensure any computer equipment is fully charged as power may not be available. Cell phones and cameras are NOT allowed. Personnel should receive their test results within one week following the test date. Once authorized, personnel with RSO certification will be expected to provide their unique four-digit range ID number (assigned or chosen during certification) to Range Control for all range access requests. Each attendee will remain in the RSO database for three years pending certification of completion through Environmental Security.

5. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators shall follow all Range Control scheduling policies and procedures. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators will contact Range Control prior to entering scheduled training areas via two-way radios to verify access permission, provide Range Safety Officer (RSO) information including name and unique four-digit identification number.

Two-way radios are available for daily checkout from Environmental Security, Information Systems Section, located in building 22165, 2nd FL, RM19, between the hours of 0700 and 1600. Requests must be provided to your Base Representative seven (7) days prior to check-out. The Principal Investigator/Project Manager will be required to sign Form 1348-1A upon issuance of equipment, acknowledging they may be held liable for any damaged or lost equipment. A radio must be checked out for each group conducting work on a Camp Pendleton training range. An additional radio is required for any group that will be out of audio/visual range of the first group. Based on availability and the nature of field work, radios may be checked out for longer periods of time in which case the Cooperator must schedule quarterly radio inspections with Environmental Security Information Systems Section. Radio inspections are performed every three months in person.

Radios must be checked back into Environmental Security by the due date assigned. The Cooperator will take reasonable precautions to ensure radios are protected from damage, including use of a waterproof cover supplied by the Cooperator if necessary. Radios shall be returned clean and in good working condition. THE

PRIMARY COOPERATOR PROJECT MANAGER MUST BE THE PERSON THAT SIGNS OUT THE

RADIOS VICE A SUBCONTRACTOR/AFFILIATE.

6. While in the field, RSOs must carry copies of the Military Installation Map (MIM), Environmental Operations Map (EOM), Training Area Access Hazards and Restrictions (TAAHR) document, and the current Road and River Report (hard copy or electronic) on hand.

7. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators will request training area access through the Base Representative. Training area requests shall be made at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled fieldwork. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators will contact the Base Representative to ensure that the training area request has been authorized. The Cooperator may be required to provide route maps or survey overlays in order to facilitate gaining access to highly used training areas.

8. Cooperator employees who will be driving unmarked or personal vehicles on the Base shall be required to obtain a Camp Pendleton Range and Training Area Privately-Owned Vehicle (POV) Pass. Cooperators will submit their Request for POV Passes via their Government Sponsor. All requests MUST utilized the most up-to-date POV request form and MUST be sent by the Government Sponsor. The request form is located in both the CAMPEN RFMSS Library (Folder 0-Training Area Access Hazards & Restrictions) and the Range Operations Division SharePoint Library (Folder 00-Training Area Access Hazards & Restrictions). All request forms will be submitted to PNDL_OTRANGEINSPECTORS@USMC.MIL. POV Passes will ONLY be issued to individual owners/drivers of POVs. The duration of the POV Pass will ONLY be for period the individual requires access to the RTA. Duration equates to reserved RCNI Number in RFMSS or day of a site survey. Requests for POV Passes will be process within 48 hours of receipt of request. The POV Pass should not be presented at Base gates to gain access to the Base, which is the purpose of DBIDS. NOTE: POV Passes will only be issued for training beaches and facilities that are Category 2.

9. Some areas of the Base may be inaccessible due to road conditions following heavy and/or prolonged rainfall. Adjustments to the survey schedules due to road/weather conditions shall be coordinated with the Base Representative. Cooperators may request the most current Road and River Report from the Base Representative in order to confirm that certain training areas and unpaved roads are open to vehicle traffic.

10. Vehicle operators may NOT use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely stopped. Drivers may not hold, dial, text, or adjust the phone while the vehicle is operating. Hands-free systems such as ear buds, Bluetooth, OnStar, and other voice activated or speaker phone systems are NOT authorized. Base Security personnel can issue military motor vehicle citations to operators in violation of this policy. These citations result in a three-point penalty assessed to the violator’s driving record. If a driver accumulates a total of twelve points within a one-year period or eighteen points within a two-year period, he/she is subject to suspension of Base driving privileges for one year.

11. The Cooperator shall provide all transportation, meals, and lodging for himself/herself and his/her personnel as well as all equipment and analysis necessary to complete the work. All equipment is subject to the inspection by and approval of the Base safety officer.

12. The Cooperator shall work closely with the BR in planning and carrying out field investigations. The Cooperator will have access to all pertinent files, reports, and plans archived at Environmental Security that might assist the Cooperator to accomplish the requirements of this Agreement. The Cooperator will be provided all appropriate aerial photography and Base GIS files upon request.

13. The Cooperator shall conduct field investigations and interviews with experts and authorities as necessary to accomplish the survey described below. They shall particularly attempt to contact and utilize information from local offices and personnel of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and other investigators who have conducted same or similar surveys on Base in the past.

14. Throughout the term of this Agreement the CATR and the BR shall be afforded the opportunity by the

Cooperator to periodically observe the Cooperator’s field activities, to review computer or paper files of raw data, prepared data (such as data analyses, summaries, maps, figures, tables, etc.), or any record deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer in establishing the Cooperator’s performance in fulfilling the requirements of this Agreement.

15. The BR may accompany the Cooperator in the field during surveys in order to accumulate survey hours under supervision of appropriately permitted biologists and to provide Agreement oversight. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators shall accommodate requests from ES Coastal and Riparian Ecosystems Section staff biologists to participate in scheduled surveys.

16. Photography and videography is restricted on the Base. Clearance for photography will be obtained from the BR. If requested by Base security personnel, all photographic equipment, film, and/or digital storage media must be turned over for processing and security inspection. Photographs and videos may not include any training activities, facilities, or tactical vehicles without written authorization from the BR.

17. All digital and/or hardcopy field notes, data, photographs, etc. collected and produced as part of this Statement of objectives are the property of the U.S. Marine Corps. This data will not be used, in whole or in part, of any professional, scientific, or non-scientific report, paper or note, published or unpublished, or any presentation without the written pre-authorization of the BR.

18. All work conducted in support of this Agreement will comply with all federal laws applicable to the Base such as the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

19. The Cooperator is expressly prohibited from conducting any plant or animal collection on the Base not specified in this Statement of objectives unless written approval is obtained from the BR. Dead, injured, or sick wildlife will not be removed from the Base by the Cooperator except as allowed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits. All such wildlife shall be reported immediately to the BR prior to transport from the Base. If the BR cannot be reached, personnel can contact the Camp Pendleton Game Warden’s Office (760-725-3360).

20. No animals will be brought on to the Base and released without the written consent of the BR. Personal pets are not permitted on Base while operating under this Statement of Objectives.

21. The Cooperator and his/her field investigators are specifically prohibited from carrying out any predator control activities without the prior concurrence of the BR.

22. Smoking is restricted to designated areas on Base.

G. COOPERATOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR BASE PERIOD, OPTION YEARS, and

OPTION ITEMS

1. The data obtained during this Agreement shall be scientifically defensible and suitable for publication.

Authorship of any resulting publications will include the CATR and BR and will be reviewed by the government. All methods of data collection and analyses shall be standardized with previous studies conducted by the Cooperator under past Agreements for this type of work, or when appropriate, analyzed using acceptable new or improved methods as determined in current scientific literature(s). If changes in analyses make results unfit for comparison with previously collected data, the Cooperator shall reanalyze all appropriate data sets for comparison. The Grants Officer shall approve (via the CATR) in advance any changes to previously used experimental designs, methods of data collection and/or analyses, which shall be provided in the Cooperator’s required Work Plan. Any proposed research and/or data collection must be described in the Work Plan and approved by BR before it can be executed. New research must include text that shows how it supports management decisions and benefits species.

2. The Cooperator shall develop a site visitation schedule for each colony and coordinate it through and provide a copy to the Base Representative. Deviations from this schedule shall be coordinated in a timely manner with the Base Representative. At no time shall the monitoring visits cause breeding terns to be unnecessarily exposed to extremes of weather, including, but not limited to, heat, cold, rain or wind.

3. The Cooperator is required to submit a field schedule in writing to the Base Representative during the pre-season meeting. The schedule will identify the dates, times, and personnel, by location. Any variation(s) will be telephoned or emailed to the Base Representative and the Duty Warden with as much advance notice as possible.

4. The Cooperator shall conduct surveys and monitor the nesting success of the LETE at all existing and potential breeding sites. Periodic pre-breeding visits to the ternaries may begin as early as 1 April. The surveys are to be conducted as often as necessary throughout the breeding season to gather the required data as discussed further in this Scope. A visitation schedule may need to be changed should the breeding populations fluctuate unexpectedly. However, no additional costs shall be incurred by the government as a result of these fluctuations.

5. The Cooperator shall conduct LETE surveys by foot and/or vehicle or visual surveys to monitor the nesting activity and success and to document foraging and roosting areas on Base. 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 least terns and to document the presence and activity of potential mammalian and avian predators. Breeding surveys are to be conducted twice per week from the start of the tern nesting season (mid-April) until the departure of terns from the site. The potential of monitoring only a subsample of nests can be discussed with the BR and to which extent determined in the Work Plan. A shift in the survey time frame or more frequent site visits may be required as a result of unanticipated variations in breeding season events. At times, work may need to be conducted during early morning (0530-0900) and evening (1700-2100) hours.

6. The Cooperator shall maintain/reestablish the census grid for all tern colonies using a grid scale of 15 m, 25 m or 30m per unit, depending on the colony size. The census grid is to be based upon a permanent metal stake placed in the most northeast corner of each grid and will constitute one grid point within the census grid. Grid lines originating from the permanent marker must have the corresponding compass bearings recorded (NE to NW, NE to SW and NE to SE). Each grid will be described as to size of the grid, its location and the exact location of the fence (if present). Each grid will be separately illustrated in the report.

7. The Cooperator is strictly prohibited from carrying out any predator control activities under any circumstances. However, attempts of predation on least terns that are observed shall be documented, and the predator management cooperator contacted as soon as possible to report any incident where tern mortality is imminent. To ensure the Cooperator is utilizing their surveying time within the nesting area efficiently, detected predations by predators not posing an immediate threat to terns can be compiled and submitted to predator management at the end of each survey day. The CATR and the BR shall also be notified of any depredation events by raptors as soon as practical after notification of the predator management team. The Cooperator and assistants shall be especially observant when avian predators are in the vicinity of the breeding colonies. The following information shall be noted for all predator observations:

a. Species and number

b. Age and sex (when possible)

c. Bands - both prey and predator (L leg, R leg, metal, plastic, etc.) or patagial tags

(presence/absence, color and number)

d. Duration of presence at the colony

e. Frequency of visits for that observation period (i.e.: first, second, etc. occurrence)

f. Location (including from what direction arrived, what direction departed) and perch sites utilized

g. Predator behavior (resting, stooping, vocalizations, prey catch [species -adult, juvenile, chick,] etc.) and least tern response (i.e. mobbing, flight, no reaction, vocalization, combination of responses, time to return to nest (when possible), percent of colony responding).

8. Fence Maintenance. The Cooperator will be responsible for minor maintenance of the colony perimeter fence throughout the breeding season.

9. Beach surveys by vehicle and other activities will require the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle that the

Cooperator shall provide. The Cooperator shall also be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and gasoline for this vehicle.

10. The Cooperator will completely document all visits to any nesting site, noting at least the following:

site arrival/departure times, presence/absence of terns (if present, number adults and chicks/fledglings and nests present), unusual behavior patterns, inter-specific encounters, and bands observed (whenever possible). In addition, the following minimum data shall be recorded:

a. Observed disturbances, or evidence thereof, due to human activities on site.

b. Record each disturbance in terms of:

i. Estimated distance from the fence or edge of the colony

ii. Type of disturbance (vehicle, human, etc.)

iii. Number of vehicles and/or people

iv. Type of evidence (footprint, tire tracks, damage)

v. Location in relation to the nesting site

vi. Duration of the disturbance (when observed)

c. Document reactions of the terns to disturbances whenever possible (e. g. duration away from the nest, abandonment of nest, predation upon nest due to absence of adult, etc.). Analyze these reactions as to their significance relative to the individual and population disturbance levels.

d. Determine the direction the disturbance originates (e. g. from the north, from the estuary), whenever possible.

11. The Cooperator shall conduct the following:

a. Mark all nests with a numbered marker approximately 1 m from the nest. For each nest, record the grid cell containing the nest, the GPS coordinates, date of first discovery, egg chronology and outcome, number of eggs hatched, and outcome date. In addition, record if nest was moved and total distance moved. The status of each nest is to be recorded on each visit. Status categories are:

i. active

ii. partially hatched

iii. hatched

iv. depredated

v. partially depredated

vi. abandoned/failed hatch

vii. destroyed (indicate how destroyed - flooding, take, etc.-if known)

b. The Cooperator shall band as many chicks as necessary to accomplish project objectives. The

Cooperator will provide a copy of all information gathered on each chick banded as an appendix to the report. Data to be recorded for each new (unbanded) chick captured are to include, but is not limited to:

i. Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) band number, band color(s), and the positioning of the band(s) (i.e., right/left leg, top/bottom)

ii. weight (to nearest .5 gm) and wing cord length (to the nearest millimeter)

iii. age class

iv. individual general health

v. ternary, grid number and nest number of the chick

vi. date of capture

vii. person doing the banding

c. Data recorded for chicks during banding shall be submitted to the BBL in their accepted format.

The Cooperator shall submit the copies of all BBL data to the CATR and BR before submitting to the BBL.

d. When banded chicks are captured, the Cooperator is to inspect all leg bands on the chick to ensure proper fit and condition. Each banded chick encountered shall be measured and weighed unless weather or time precludes the activity. Banding shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures defined in the Cooperator's endangered species and banding permits.

e. Document any mortality (e.g. date, source, location/nest #) of eggs, chicks, fledglings, or adults, as well as any pertinent information on the circumstances surrounding that mortality.

f. Conduct fledgling counts on each site periodically throughout each survey day to identify roosting areas and to develop an accurate fledgling survey methodology. Estimate tern fledgling production and identify causes or mortality, as evident.

g. Concurrent with observations on fledgling activities, conduct observations of raven behavior on, over and adjacent to the colonies.

h. For LETEs, estimate the breeding population size using current California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) methods. Additionally, provide methods for a sampling effort and estimate population size for comparison to CDFW.

i. If Base Period Option Item or Option Year 1-4 Option Items are awarded, data collection shall also include the following:

i. Determine the breeding efficiency for SNPL per [Breeding efficiency: A metric for assessing habitat quality and individual performance. Wader Study, 125(3), 2018] and compare results to current fledglings/male calculation.

ii. Provide methods for and estimate the breeding population size of SNPLs.

iii. Provide methods for and estimate rates of plover fledgling production and identify causes of mortality.

12. The Cooperator shall collect and record all raw field data in the following manner:

a. All raw field data are to be recorded into a database compatible with Microsoft EXCEL for

Windows. Raw field data is defined as the data initially recorded in the field to measure a variable. The data is without modification, calculation, or summation.

b. The database is to be formatted such that each variable defined above is represented by a data field. Within the database, each observation is represented by a record. The data is to be submitted on compact disks (CD).

c. Mark the sequence of each disk (if more than 1 disk is used) on the external disk label. On the first disk include an ASCII text file labeled README. The README file is to describe the contents of the disk(s) (e.g., file names, file content, etc).

H. MEETINGS/COORDINATION

A kick-off meeting between the Grants Officer, CATR, Cooperator, the Principal Investigator, and BR will be held to discuss this Agreement and all suggested methodology. A Work Plan will be submitted by the Cooperator within fifteen days following the meeting.

The Cooperator shall be available to attend agency and local pre- and post-breeding season meetings when agreed upon with the CATR and BR and shall be prepared to provide the CATR and BR breeding season data for such meetings.

The Cooperator shall be available throughout the Agreement period for consultation with the CATR and BR on matters involving the LETE and SNPL and the nesting sites. The number and timing of these meetings will be determined based on nesting season activities and Cooperator performance.

I. SCHEDULES AND SUBMITTALS

1. Electronic copies of all submittals/schedules/deliverables (examples include draft/interim/final reports, progress reports/monthly reports) will be provided to the Cooperative Agreement Administrator for retention in the official agreement file. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to make changes to review periods or due dates.

Submittal/Deliverable Standards: All submittals/deliverables are expected to be of the highest professional quality and will be rejected if any of the following exists:

a. there are typographical errors, spelling, or grammar mistakes; or

b. results and discussion are not tied directly and continually to natural resource management concerns of the installation; or

c. the document is not organized in a manner that flows well; or

d. the document does not provide appropriate context, background, literature review, and comparison to other relevant studies, locations, and similar species; or

e. the appropriate style guide is not adhered to (in most cases this is the Journal of Wildlife

Management(JWM)).

NOTE that the CATR is responsible for identifying the appropriate style if JWM is not acceptable.

2. Within fifteen (15) days following the kick-off meeting, the Cooperator shall submit a Work Plan. The contents of the Work Plan should include the following:

a. A site visitation schedule for each nesting site coordinated through the BR. Deviations from this schedule shall be coordinated in a timely manner. However, at no time shall the monitoring schedule cause breeding birds to be unnecessarily exposed to extremes of weather, including, but not limited to, heat, cold, rain or wind.

b. A comprehensive and detailed summary of the methodology proposed for this Agreement as well as a work schedule for discussion and review in this initial meeting. Methodology shall include both field work and proposed statistical analyses.

c. A copy of all permits required for the work described in this Agreement at this Scoping Session (if not already submitted with the proposal).

d. A list of all persons who will be working on the Base under this Agreement including (1) full name,

(2) position/job title and documentation of their qualifications per item F.3. of this Agreement.

The draft work plan will be reviewed by the CATR and BR. The CATR will provide the Cooperator a consolidated list of comments, suggestions, or edits (if there are any) within 30 calendar days from receipt of the draft work plan. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to make changes to the 30 calendar day review period.

Final work plan: The Cooperator shall incorporate all comments, suggestions, or edits (if there are any) provided by the CATR on the “Draft Work Plan” to the “Final Work Plan”, and the Cooperator shall submit (electronically via email) the “Final Work Plan” within 10 calendar days from the date the Cooperator received the final review comments provided by the CATR. If there are no comments, suggestions, or edits on the draft work plan, the Cooperator shall resubmit marked “Final Work Plan”. The work plan must be approved by the BR prior to the initiation of any work on the Installation.

3. The Cooperator shall provide weekly reports, a breeding season summary table, and draft/final reports to the CATR and BR.

a. Weekly Reports

Throughout the duration of the field investigations the principal investigator will submit a weekly written (or email) checklist of the week's activities to the CATR and BR by 1600 hours local time each Monday.

The report will include, at a minimum: names of investigators and observers participating during the month; areas surveyed and a summary of data for each area (total number of nests, and number of new nests for that week; total number of eggs; and total number of chicks hatched), any suspected take and its cause, a summary of predator events, and any other significant event occurring on site or any concerns of which the CATR and BR needs to be aware. The Cooperator shall keep the CATR and BR informed of all active or potentially active sites so that the Marine Corps is able to avoid take of least terns and snowy plovers.

b. A summary table with preliminary numbers from the breeding season shall be submitted to the

CATR and BR during the end of season meeting.

c. Draft Final/Final Report

One (1) report shall be drafted and submitted for all species investigated; however, the result and discussion sections shall be separated by species if multiple species were monitored. An electronic copy of the draft report shall be submitted to the CATR and BR by60 days prior to the end of each period of performance for all work conducted during this Agreement. If required by the CATR due to significant comments and/or changes to draft report, a second draft, incorporating all comments, shall be prepared and submitted within 30 days of the request/receipt of comments. All draft reports shall be reviewed by the Cooperator before submittal to the CATR. The Final Report shall be submitted within 30 days of receipt of Government comments. If necessary, the Government will have a 45 day review period from receipt of the final report (with comments incorporated) for Government review of documents to ensure comments were adequately addressed. If review and acceptance by Government is not completed within the 45 day review period, constructive acceptance will be deemed to have occurred and final deliverables can be submitted. Only the Grants Officer has the authority to make changes to the identified calendar day review period(s).

i) The final report shall contain all of the information contained in the draft report as modified by

Government comment. If the Government has requested report modifications to which the Cooperator takes exception, a meeting or telephone conference will be held to settle these differences. If there are unresolved differences, the Cooperator will address these in a separate rebuttal document to the CATR.

ii) A total of 5 hard copies (4 for BR and 1 for CATR) and 4 electronic (CD) copies are to be submitted.

The final report should be perfect bound, with double-sided glossy pages. The page numbers should be located in the upper outside corner of each page with a spinal title displaying project title and year of execution.

iii) An electronic copy of the report shall be submitted on a CD with the final in Microsoft WORD 2013 or later. All figures/tables/graphs/appendices are to be included in the electronic copy. In addition, a PDF file of the complete report shall be included on the CD.

iv) The Annual Report shall be written in the format for the JWM, be written in active voice, and use the metric system for all units in the report. Sections included in the report format are to be as follows:

(1) Title page showing:

(a) title, include location and year of execution

(b) Document Control Number (DCN)

(c) NAVFAC logo

(d) Marine Corps logo

(2) Sub-title page showing:

(a) title

(b) prepared by listing with affiliations

(c) Agreement number

(d) prepared for MCB Camp Pendleton, Environmental Security

(e) date of report

(f) recommended citation for unpublished document

(3) Table of contents, arranged as follows,

(a) table of contents

(b) list of tables

(c) list of figures (photos are considered figures)

(d) list of appendices

(4) Abstract or Executive Summary

(5) Introduction

(a) include an overview of the project including population and distribution trends on Camp Pendleton and a discussion of the threats to the species.

(b) state the project's purpose and objectives and how these relate to Camp Pendleton management goals.

(6) Study Species

(a) highlight the natural history of the species

(7) Study Areas

(a) a moderately detailed description of each study areas including general topography and vegetation, and substrate present

(b) include a map of the scale 1 centimeter=48 meters at minimum showing the location of each study area and its components

(c) the observations shall be reported and analyzed separately for each site on the Base

(8) Methods

(a) this section should be detailed in nature, including information such as specific hours of the day, days of week, etc. that surveys/observations were accomplished

(b) the methods should be well organized into clear sections that provide significant detail so that this project could be duplicated by another researcher. Sections could include (but are not limited to) nest surveys, nest monitoring, predator id, banding, productivity (with all possible subsection within this), etc.

(c) each statistical technique used must be accompanied by a justification and explanation as to why that particular test was chosen to analyze the data set

(9) Results should follow sections used in methods and be expanded as needed for a clear organization of the data. All figures and tables presenting data shall be incorporated within the results section and labeled sufficiently to act as a stand-alone document. The results section shall include the following:

(a) present all data collected from tasks identified in this Agreement. Data is to be presented using both tables and figures.

(b) statistical analyses on basic topics that are informative for Camp Pendleton management.

(c) total person-hours spent, including time of day, week, site, etc., and any other information that would enable the reader to specifically quantify total time expended.

(d) maps identifying all locations surveyed, including areas used for nesting (i.e. "breeding areas"), foraging (both breeding and non-breeding seasons), resting/loafing, roosting or other significant uses; more than one map or figure may be used at the discretion of the Cooperator

(e) a table listing the number of nests, chicks and adults lost to predators, including the predator species, if known.

(f) at a minimum, graphically display the following for all nests:

(i) nest initiation dates throughout the season

(ii) a figure showing the distribution of nests (total and by “wave”) on a grid overlay

(iii) a table listing the egg hatching and fledgling success

(iv) a table listing the outcome of all nests

(v) a graph displaying the chronology of major nesting events, including nest initiations and the number of incubating nests

(vi) a graph displaying the number of eggs hatching by date along with the number of fledglings observed

(vii)…