A25-04301032_FY26_Wildlife_Services_Agreement_Executed.pdf

DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT #

1 Black-footed Ferret Disease Sampling 24-7304-6448-RA 2 Gunnison�s Prairie Dog Disease Management 24-7304-6448-RA 3 Prairie Dog Translocations 24-7304-6950-RA 4 Abert�s Squirrel Management 24-7304-6449-RA 5 Urban Wildlife Damage Management 24-7304-6950-RA 6 Aerial Predator Control 24-7304-6449-RA 7 Beaver Trapping 24-7304-7553-RA

A25-04301032

WBS

AP.RA.RX04.73.0592

AP.RA.RX04.73.0085

AP.RA.RX04.73.0070

AP.RA.RX04.73.0068

AP.RA.RX04.73.0039

AP.RA.RX04.73.043

AP.RA.RX04.73.0117

A25-04301032 WORK AND FINANCIAL PLAN

between

STATE OF ARIZONA

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH COMMISSION

(DEPARTMENT)

and

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

WILDLIFE SERVICES

Pursuant to Cooperative Service Agreement No. 22-73-04-6448-RA between the State of Arizona, Game and Fish Commission (the terms �Department� and �Director� in this Agreement shall mean the Arizona Game and Fish Department and its Director, acting as administrative agent for the Commission) and the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS), this Work Plan defines the objectives, plan of action, resources and budget for the Wildlife Management program to be conducted from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.

WHEREAS, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has primary statewide responsibility for management actions related to fish and wildlife within the state of Arizona;

WHEREAS, the Arizona Game and Fish Department acts under the authority of the Commission:

WHEREAS, APHIS-WS has statutory authority to cooperate with States, individuals, public and private agencies, organizations and institutions in the control of wild mammals and birds that are reservoirs for zoonotic diseases;

NOW THEREFORE, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and APHIS-WS will implement this work and financial plan for the following:

I. OBJECTIVES/GOALS

The work objectives to be performed by the Wildlife Specialist(s) assigned to the Department.

1. Black-footed Ferret Disease Sampling - Collect tissue samples for disease monitoring near the Black-Footed Ferret recovery area.

2. Gunnison�s Prairie Dog Disease Management - Conduct Gunnison�s prairie dog management in Arizona. This would include coordination and communicating with the Department throughout the process. The APHIS-WS employee(s) will be adequately equipped to conduct plague management and Gunnison�s prairie dog management according to the Department�s

A25-04301032 policy in Arizona.

3. Prairie Dog Translocations - Conduct prairie dog management for translocation in Arizona.

This would include coordination and communicating with the Department throughout the process. Coordination efforts will occur prior to capture through to release. The APHIS-WS employee(s) will be adequately equipped to capture, hold and translocate Gunnison�s prairie dogs according to the Department�s Translocation Protocol for Gunnison�s Prairie Dogs in Arizona and black-tailed prairie dogs according to the Translocation Protocol for Black-tailed Prairie Dogs.

4. Abert�s Squirrel Management - Manage introduced Abert�s squirrels (Sciurus aberti) from

Mount Graham causing damage to native Mount Graham red squirrels. The APHIS-WS employee(s) will be adequately equipped to manage wildlife to reduce or alleviate damage or threats to Mount Graham red squirrels. The Department, as part of a recovery action for the endangered Mount Graham red squirrels would like to reduce or eliminate the introduced population of Abert�s squirrels that currently compete with the Mount Graham red squirrel for the limited resources. WS shall consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Biologist Species leads and the Department, Nongame Birds and Mammals Program for the removal of Abert�s squirrels from Mount Graham.

5. Urban Wildlife Damage Management - Manage vertebrate wildlife causing property damage or threatening human health and safety to support the Urban-Human Wildlife Conflict and Resolution Program.

6. Aerial Predator Control - Assist in the reduction of coyote predation on wildlife by the use of aerial coyote removal. These services will be provided in Arizona Game and Fish Game Management Units (GMU) as determined by the Department following pronghorn surveys conducted in summer and fall. All equipment, supplies, and services will be provided, including certified pilot, certified gunner, and ground crew support.

7. Beaver Trapping- Target beaver trapping at select sites within Arizona for approved translocation projects.

II. PLAN OF ACTION

1. Black-footed Ferret Disease Sampling Three times a year WS will collect wildlife samples from any of the black-footed recovery areas; Aubrey Valley, Espee Ranch, Double O Ranch, and Garland Prairie. The specialist assigned to the project will collect samples of vector species to include but not limited to coyotes, grey fox, badgers, desert cottontail rabbits, black-tailed jackrabbits and Gunnison�s prairie dog, per time period and take a variety of biological samples for disease monitoring.

The samples collected will be turned over to the Department for processing at their expense.

WS may collect backup samples for processing at its own expense.

2. Gunnison�s Prairie Dog Disease Management APHIS-WS will assign up to 5 full time Wildlife Specialists that will respond as needed to the project and will provide vehicle, supplies, and equipment. The Department will provide the approved pesticides for plague management, and may provide additional equipment.

APHIS-WS will conduct operations in and around areas specified by the Department and identified for plague management and Gunnison�s prairie dog management. Gunnison�s prairie dogs will be captured using cage traps. Prior to capture pre-baiting will be conducted to accustom Gunnison�s prairie dogs to entering the traps. APHIS-WS will use approved pesticides provided by the Department for plague management. APHIS-WS will adhere to the use of the pesticides per the pesticide labels including the application and use of PPE. Pesticide application will be conducted at pre-determined locations identified by the Department.

3. Prairie Dog Translocations

APHIS-WS will assign 1-2 fulltime Wildlife Specialist(s) that will respond as needed to the project and will provide a vehicle, supplies, and equipment.

APHIS-WS will conduct Gunnison�s and black-tailed prairie dog management operations in and around areas specified by the Department and identified for translocation. Prairie dogs will be captured using cage traps. Prior to capture pre-baiting will be conducted to accustom prairie dogs to entering the traps. Efforts will be made to trap and keep coteries together. Captured prairie dogs will be kept in holding cages or pet carriers with other animals from their coterie.

All cages and carriers will be kept in the shade to reduce stress and prevent overheating until the animals can be released. All held animals will be provided daily food, water, and timothy hay, tubing, or some other material to reduce stress. All prairie dogs will be released at pre-determined location identified by the Department. Any pre or post-monitoring will be conducted by the Department. If any evidence of disease is present during any of the translocation process, work will halt until the Department can investigate. Evidence can include finding dead animals above ground with no obvious signs of cause of mortality, severe reduction in prairie dog observations, and/or confirmed plague presence through fleas or blood.

4. Abert�s Squirrel Management

APHIS-WS will assign 1 fulltime Wildlife Specialist that will respond as needed to the project and will provide a vehicle, supplies and equipment.

APHIS-WS will conduct Wildlife Damage Management operations in and around Mount Graham and in specific areas identified by the Department to minimize wildlife damage.

Abert�s squirrels will be controlled using shooting with suppressed rifles and/or shotguns. All shots will be directed at a positively identified target. Shooting efforts will take place during daylight hours and will be conducted to avoid conflicts with the general public. Along with shooting, other control methods used may include trapping with cage traps. Trapping efforts will take place 24 hours per day and will be placed in locations to avoid conflicts with the general public. All captured Abert�s squirrels will be euthanized on site.

5. Urban Wildlife Damage Management

APHIS-WS will assign 1 fulltime Wildlife Specialist that will respond as needed to the project and will provide a vehicle, supplies and equipment. The use of the various control methods include trapping and shooting will be discussed with the cooperator. All shots will be directed at a positively identified target with a definite backdrop.

APHIS-WS will conduct Wildlife Damage Management operations in and around populated areas to minimize wildlife damage.

Coyotes Coyotes will be trapped using padded-jaw foothold traps. Trapping efforts will take place 24 hours per day and will be placed in locations to avoid conflicts with the general public.

Captured coyotes will be euthanized. APHIS-WS will monitor the probability of transmission of plague, rabies, and other diseases of concern to human and wildlife populations through collection of carnivore blood and tissue samples.

Mountain Lions

Mountains lions will be trapped using foot snares and cage traps. In addition, mountain lions may also be pursued by the use of trailing hounds. Trapping efforts will take place 24 hours per day and will be placed in locations to avoid conflicts with the general public. Captured mountain lions will be euthanized at the site of capture.

Black Bears Black bears will be trapped using foot snares and culvert traps. In addition, black bears may be pursued by the use of trailing hounds. Trapping efforts will take place 24 hours per day and will be placed in locations to avoid conflicts with the general public. Captured black bears will be euthanized at the site of capture.

Other Mammals Various mammals will be controlled by the use of various live traps and quick kill traps. In addition, approved pesticides may be used. Copies of labels will be provided. Pre-baiting will be conducted to enhance acceptance of treated bait. Captured mammals will be euthanized on site.

6. Aerial Predator Control

APHIS will assign 1 fulltime Wildlife Specialist that will respond as needed to the project and will provide a certified pilot, certified gunner, plane, vehicle, supplies and equipment.

APHIS will conduct aerial gunning in units as determined by the Department, during the months of March, April, and May. Coyotes will be removed using shotguns from the aircraft.

All shots will be directed at a positively identified target. Shooting efforts will take place during daylight hours and will be conducted to avoid conflicts with the general public.

7. Beaver Trapping APHIS will follow defined translocation plans to target beaver family groups at known locations and trap and transfer them to the Department�s established beaver quarantine facility.

III. REPORTS

1. Black-footed Ferret Disease Sampling - APHIS-WS will provide a report of activities at the request of the Department.

2. Gunnison�s Prairie Dog Disease Management - APHIS-WS will provide a report of activities at the request of the Department.

3. Prairie Dog Translocations - APHIS-WS will submit a final report of activities at the completion of each translocation including final numbers of animals translocated, number of acres from where there were removed and to where they are released, and location information for both the source and release site.

4. Abert�s Squirrel Management - APHIS-WS will provide a summary monthly of number of animals removed along with locations and maps where removal occurred.

5. Urban Wildlife Damage Management - APHIS-WS will provide a report of activities at the request of the Department.

6. Aerial Predator Control- APHIS-WS will provide daily reports of activities using Arizona Game and Fish Department Aerial Coyote Control Report, form number 3042.

7. Beaver Trapping- Following the APHIS Work Initiation Document for Wildlife Damage, during the contract period, WS will maintain communications with project leads on status and outcome of beaver trapping efforts.

IV. COST ESTIMATE FOR SERVICES

The Department will reimburse APHIS-WS for expenses incurred, not to exceed $166,660 per the schedule below. APHIS will submit monthly invoicing for each planned objective/goal and will bill each separately. Such costs include, but are not limited to, salary/benefits, transportation, and equipment/supplies that are less than $5,000. Expenses will be charged on an hourly basis plus per diem. An estimated itemization of expenses is listed below. The Abert�s Squirrel Management Project will require $8,000 to be pre-awarded for activities that will occur in June 2025.

APHIS-Wildlife Services Cost Estimate for Services 1 Black-footed Ferret Disease Sampling .0592

Funding: Federal Grant AZ FW-100-P-33 Subaward;

CFDA 15.611

Timeline: July 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026 Salary/Benefits $6,000 Per Diem $3,160 Vehicle/Gas $278 Subtotal $9,438 Administrative Support 16.15% $1,524

Pooled Cost 11.0% $1,038 Total $12,000

2 Gunnison's Prairie Dog Disease Management .0085 Funding: Federal Grant AZ FW-100-P-33 Subaward;

CFDA 15.611

Timeline: May 1 - 31, 2026 Salary/Benefits $13,895 Per Diem $1,000 Supplies $2,000 Vehicle/Gas $2,500 Subtotal $19,395 Administrative Support 16.15% $3,132 Pooled Cost 11.0% $2,133 Total $24,660

3 Prairie Dog Translocations .0070 Funding: Federal Grant AZ FW-100-P-33 Subaward;

CFDA 15.611

Timeline: July 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026

Salary/Benefits $8,975 Per Diem $1,500 Vehicle/Gas $1,322 Subtotal $11,797 Administrative Support 16.15% $1,905 Pooled Cost 11.0% $1,298 Total $15,000

4 Abert's Squirrel Management .0068 Funding: Federal Grant AZ FW-100-P-33 Subaward;

CFDA 15.611

Timeline: June 1- 30, 2025 July-May Salary/Benefits $4,839.02 $13,334 Per Diem $565.20 $1,541 Vehicle/Gas $886.78 $2,428 Subtotal $6,291.00 $17,303 Administrative Support 16.15% $1,018.73 $2,792

Pooled Cost 11.0% $690.27 $1,905 Total $8,000.00 $22,000

5 Urban Wildlife Damage Management .0039 Funding: State Funding Timeline: July 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026 Salary/Benefits $9,555 Per Diem $1,121 Vehicle/Gas $1,121 Subtotal $11,797 Administrative Support 16.15% $1,905 Pooled Cost 11.0% $1,298 Total $15,000

6 Aerial Predator Control .0431 Funding: State Funding Timeline: 6 Days each for GMU's 2A, 30A, &10 Salary/Benefits $7,229 Per Diem $7,305 Pilot/Plane $25,300 Ammo $3,422 Subtotal $43,256 Administrative Support 16.15% $6,986 Pooled Cost 11.0% $4,758 Total $55,000

7 Beaver Trapping .0117 Funding: State Funding Timeline: July 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026 Salary/Benefits $9,555 Per Diem $1,121 Vehicle/Gas $1,121 Subtotal $11,797

Administrative Support 16.15% $1,905 Pooled Cost 11.0% $1,298 Total $15,000

GRAND TOTAL $166,660

V. AUTHORIZATION

APHIS-WS has advised the Department that other private sector service providers may be available to provide wildlife management services and notwithstanding these other options, the Department requests that APHIS-WS provide wildlife management services as stated under the terms of this agreement.

Changes to this Annual Work/Financial Plan will be accomplished through a written amendment, agreed to by the parties.

CMS GRANT FUNDING AZ FW-100-P-31 (PR/DJ) FY24

Subrecipient unique entity identifier (UEI): JK2DL5HKD661

Federal award identification number (grant number or federal award number): AZ FW-100-P-33

CMS

Federal award start date: 07/01/2024

Federal award end date: 06/30/2025

Amount of federal funds obligated by the agreement: $81,660

Amount of federal funds obligated to each third party to the agreement: $0

Total amount of the federal award/grant: $54,385,648

Federal award/grant project description: AZ FW-100-P-33 Comprehensive Management System

Name of federal awarding agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (aka CFDA) number and name: 15.611 Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education

Identification of whether the award was for research and development: No

Negotiated and approved indirect cost rate for the federal award to AGFD: 50.63%

Negotiated and approved indirect cost rate for the third party: 11%

STATE OF ARIZONA

ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

5000 WEST CAREFREE HIGHWAY

PHOENIX, AZ 85086

623-236-7292 Tax Identification Number: 86-6004791Tax Identification Number: 86 60047

Clay Crowder, Assistant Director Date Wildlife Management Division Arizona Game and Fish Department

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

WILDLIFE SERVICES

Tax Identification Number: 41-0696271

Jon Grant, Acting State Director, Arizona Date 8836 N 23rd Avenue, Suite 2 Phoenix, AZ 85021

Wendy Anderson, Director, Western Region Date 2150 Center Ave. Building B: Mail Stop 3W9 Fort Collins, CO 80526