A04_SOW_EIFO_Priority_Raptor_Surveys_rev3.docx

BLM Solicitation #140L6324Q0033 Statement of Work:

Eastern Interior Field Office (EIFO) Survey of Priority Raptors

Background

The goal of this survey of raptors designated as priority species in the EIFO Resource Management Plan Records of Decision (Peregrine Falcons, Gyrfalcons, Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles) is to provide current information on the occurrence, breeding status, nest distribution, and habitat use of these birds. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) needs these data for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. §§4321-4370h) documentation and permitting and to incorporate into the development of permit-specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. The Records of Decision established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which limit certain human activities and developments within certain distances of priority raptor species nest sites. Implementation of those SOPs in management of these lands requires current information on sites occupied by these species.

This study will also provide the baseline data to ensure compliance with Federal laws, most notably the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA; 16 U.S.C. 668-668c) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703-712). The MBTA prohibits take of migratory bird species, which may occur unintentionally when conducting activities near raptor nests.

Field surveys for raptors have been conducted sporadically in portions of the White Mountains National Recreation Area (WMNRA), Steese National Conservation Area (SNCA), and Beaver and Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River corridors, primarily by helicopter. But little survey work has been conducted since 2012, when much of the WMNRA was surveyed. This historical information is not meeting BLM’s current needs. Some sites have been surveyed only once which limits our knowledge of alternative nest sites, frequency of occupation at a site, and population status and trend. Surveys of the Fortymile River have occurred more frequently (since 2001) and have been primarily conducted by float boat.

In addition to current information about locations of occupied nest sites, the surveys provide updated trend data in areas with repeated surveys over time. This is especially important considering recently observed marked declines in the peregrine falcon population on the upper Yukon River (S. Ambrose, pers. comm.). Survey of areas with a history of prior monitoring, especially the Fortymile River, will provide additional information about this possibly widespread population decline.

Objectives

1) Survey suitable nesting habitat and determine occurrence and occupancy of nesting priority raptor species,

2) Survey the Fortymile River Survey Area for occupancy of nesting priority raptors, with a focus on determining trend in population of nesting peregrine falcons.

Survey Methods

The raptor study will provide data on large, conspicuous cliff-nesting raptors, specifically, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Gyrfalcons, as well as Bald Eagles (that typically build large stick nests in trees). The survey will also record, to the extent feasible, other raptors nesting in stick nests such as Osprey, Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed Hawks. Common Ravens (a cliff-nesting species which builds nests used by raptors) will also be recorded. Although nests of small-to-medium sized raptor species (e.g., Short-eared Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Merlin, and Sharp-shinned Hawk) cannot be reliably located with aerial surveys, observations of all raptor species will be recorded during raptor surveys.

The survey methods used in past surveys within the Steese/White Mountains Survey Area (Figure 1) are described in Appendix A. Those methods are described for a survey conducted in an area where the primary cliff-nesting raptor was Golden Eagle but also included peregrine and gyrfalcons, whereas peregrine falcons are the primary priority raptor species in this survey area.

Within the Steese/White Mountains Survey Area, locations of approximately raptor 95 territories that were identified in previous surveys as occupied, possibly occupied, or previously occupied (Figure 1) will be the focus of most survey effort, and nearby similar suitable habitats will also be searched.

Survey of the Fortymile River Survey Area will include 143 river miles (Figure 2):

1) Middle Fork from Joseph landing strip to the Fortymile Main Stem and downstream to O’Brien Creek, and

2) West Fork (beginning at West Fork Campground) through the Dennison Fork and South Fork to the confluence of the North Fork.

The survey methods used in past surveys within Fortymile River Survey Area (Figure 2) are described in Appendix B. In 2004, 34 sites of single and paired peregrine falcons were observed.

Suveys will occur within the prescribed date ranges in order to be consistent with previous surveys conducted the areas and enable assessment of changes in populations. Survey personnel should be familiar with guidance outlined in Pagel et al (2010) to minimize disturbance to nesting golden eagles. The survey protocol outlined in Ambrose et al. (2018) is a useful reference for Fortymile River Surveys.

Requirements

The vendor shall demonstrate extensive experience in conducting raptor surveys, including experience conducting similar surveys of cliff-nesting raptors in Alaska or similar environments, including the types of work described herein. The selected vendor must provide highly experienced raptor observers and collect requested raptor survey data.

The vendor must survey suitable habitat, provide determinations of nest occupancy status for cliff-nesting raptors, and provide comparisons of survey results with historical data provided by BLM. The survey will utilize methods which will achieve rates of detection of raptors and nests and estimation of number of eggs or young present which are approximately equivalent to past surveys. Methods utilized in past surveys are described in Appendices A (for Steese/White Mountains Survey Area) and Appendix B (for Fortymile River Survey Area).

Cost estimates presented are made as best approximations with recognition that survey work in remote areas is challenging and can be complicated by weather and/or other stochastic factors. Best efforts should be made by the vendor to meet survey goals as described herein but it is recognized that survey area and search intensity may be adjusted based on circumstances, with agreement of BLM.

Task 1: Survey of priority raptor nesting habitat within the Steese/White Mountains Survey Area (White Mountains National Recreation Area, Steese National Conservation Area and Beaver and Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River corridors) and Fortymile River Survey Area (Portions of the Fortymile River Wild and Scenic River). See figures 1 and 2.

Survey timeframe: Steese/White Mountains Survey Area: June 1-July 1, 2025 Fortymile River Survey Area: May 18-June 16, 2025

Description: To assess nest site occurrence, occupancy, and populations of priority raptor species, occupancy surveys of suitable nesting habitat will be conducted.

Deliverables:

a. Create and provide survey path gps tracklogs and a geospatial database of all nests including nest photos. Database will contain observations of territory/nest status, counts of adults, young, eggs, and descriptors of nests and nest sites.

b. Provide a report describing in detail the survey methods, areas searched, results and a comparison of results to the available historical data provided by BLM

Figure 1. Steese/White Mountains Survey Area (shown in yellow, excluding the checkerboard lands in the upper right corner) and locations of known or suspected nest sites observed in past surveys. Survey area includes the WMNRA, SNCA, and Birch Creek and Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridors located north and east of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Figure 2. Fortymile River Survey Area (dark river outlines, from Shook and Ritchie, 2007)

Literature Cited:

Pagel, J. E., D. M. Whittington, and G. T. Allen. 2010. Interim Golden Eagle technical guidance: Inventory and monitoring protocols and other recommendations in support of eagle management and permit issuance. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Washington, DC. 30 pp.

Ambrose, S., N. Guldager, S. Daw, M. Beer, M.J. Flamme, M. MacCluskie. 2018. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 5: Conducting the Peregrine Falcon Survey Protocol for Monitoring American Peregrine Falcons Central Alaska (CAKN) Inventory and Monitoring Network. https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/DownloadFile/605772

Appendix A:

Craig, Erica H., Jim Herriges, and Tim Craig. RESULTS OF A CLIFF-NESTING RAPTOR INVENTORY ALONG THE DALTON HIGHWAY, 2010 (unpublished report)

Appendix B:

Shook, John E. and Robert J. Ritchie. 2007. Peregrine Falcon Surveys in the Fortymile National Wild And Scenic River Corridor, Alaska, 2004 and 2006, Final Report (unpublished).

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