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WFM-0900-6-HFR-715-0913-02 FIRE ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION (kirtland’s warbler survey)

Statement of Work - 2010 and 2011 Kirtland’s Warbler Surveys

Washburn Ranger District

July 15, 2009

WORK STATEMENT

The Washburn Ranger District has need of a songbird expert who is familiar with visual and vocal identification of songbird species. This contractor will survey potential habitat within the district for visual and vocal evidence of Kirtland’s warbler and will record any detections of Connecticut warbler, Swainson's thrush, black-backed woodpecker, and sharp-tailed grouse. The project oversight will be by the District Biologist, Scott Posner.

CONTRACT TIME, COMPENSATION

This is a two year contract. Survey activity is to be conducted between the dates of June 5 through June 20, inclusive, in 2009 and 2010. Day to day work schedule can be at the discretion of the contractor, however all survey activity must be within the period of sunrise to 10:00 a.m. Survey activity will need to be concluded by June 20, 2011. In the event of inclement weather during the survey period, an extension to June 25 will be considered upon request.

Surveyor will be paid in a lump sum payment when project is completed and accepted by government. Partial payment can be made upon submission of 2010 survey information, pro-rated according to the number of points surveyed.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION, REQUIREMENTS

The surveyor will work under an established protocol (attached) to systematically survey specified stands. Surveys consist of a combination of walking a grid pattern of the stand while listening for target bird species; conducting 3-minute point counts; and utilizing taped bird songs to help elicit a response. Work will be done under a wide variety of field conditions, including rough terrain and long distance foot travel.

INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE

The contractor will keep the district Biologist informed of progress and survey results. Any observations of a Kirtland’s warbler must be reported to the Washburn District Wildlife Biologist (phone call, voice mail or e-mail is acceptable) within 24 hours. Written reports (on a prepared form and a summary spreadsheet, originals provided by Government) and electronic GPS track files will be required for each stand visited. These reports and track files will be submitted to the Washburn District Wildlife Biologist by July 30 of each year. The Government will then have the opportunity to review the report and return it to the vendor within 30 days for clarifications. The vendor will then have an additional 30 days to make any necessary changes or provide clarifications. A rare animal report form (original copy supplied by the government) will be completed for all sites in which Kirtland’s warblers are found. Acceptability of work will be based on completion of work area and submission of reports.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government will furnish pre-selected GPS waypoints, Forest map, calling device with pre-recorded Kirtland’s warbler song (to be checked out at the beginning of the survey period and checked-in at the end of the survey period each year), and flagging to mark any nest locations.

RECOMMENDED EVALUATION CRITERIA

This contract is suited for best value evaluation in which the award is based on (in order of priority):

· Skills – familiarity with the bird species present on the Washburn Ranger District and ability to identify them by sight and song is essential.

· Cost

· Past performance on government contracts

· Experience – having conducted Kirtland’s warbler surveys in accordance with established protocols is desirable.

Kirtland’s Warbler Survey Protocol Equipment:

· FoxPro FP38 or FX3 digital caller (one will be provided by government for use during the survey period only).

· Data forms, and survey maps (original copy furnished by government).

· Binoculars, compass, and camera (furnished by vendor)

Surveys will not be attempted unless weather conditions are suitable: little or no precipitation, and light winds. Surveys may be done during a light drizzle or after a brief shower, but steady drizzle or prolonged rain should be avoided. Surveys should not be done if wind velocity exceeds 10 mph or when noise interferes with the survey.

Surveys will be conducted from sunrise to 10:00 AM, local time.

Surveys will consist of a combination of a stand walk-through, 3-minute point counts, and playback of bird songs. For each stand the survey route is mapped out to allow for adequate audio coverage of the stand. Point counts cover approximately 10 acres per point (approximately 200 meters between points). Actual locations during the survey can vary slightly according to on-the-ground conditions (i.e. if a point falls in unsuitable habitat near a suitable area, the surveyor should shift the point to the suitable habitat).

At each point count site, the surveyor will spend three minutes listening for and recording target bird species. At the end of the three minute period, the recorded Kirtland’s warbler song will be played for approximately thirty seconds, followed by a thirty second listening period. The playback/listening is repeated, such that there are two playbacks, each followed by a thirty second listening period. Thus, each point requires at least five minutes of survey.

Fill out survey form for each stand surveyed, including all data requested. All bird species identified are to be recorded for each point count site. The stand walk-through routes must be recorded as track files using a GPS receiver and locations of target species will be recorded with GPS waypoints. This data will be submitted in electronic format to the Washburn District Office along with completed survey forms. An assessment of the suitability of the stand as Kirtland’s warbler habitat is an essential part of the survey and is to be recorded in the appropriate sections of the form.

If a Kirtland’s warbler is suspected by audio identification, surveyor should attempt to confirm by visual identification and photography. Attach map, with survey route, point count locations, and any target species observations noted on the map.

The primary target species to be surveyed for is the Kirtland’s warbler. In addition however, the following list of species should be listened for and locations noted wherever observed: Connecticut warbler, Swainson’s thrush, spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker, Northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, and sharp-tailed grouse.

Kirtland’s Warbler Survey Form Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Washburn Ranger District

Compartment:

Stand:

Date (MM/DD/YYY):

Surveyed By:

Time (Start & End):

0 = none

1 = 1-3 mph

2 = 4-7 mph

3 = 8-12 mph

4 = > 12 mph 0 = < 10% clouds

1 = partly cloudy

2 = mostly cloudy

3 = overcast

4 = raining

Temperature:

Wind:

Sky:

Survey Points

Alpha Code

Stand Description:

Density:

Height:

% Jack Pine/Hardwoods:

% Openings:

Vaccinium Understory? (If yes give %):

Habitat Suitability:

Notes:

Also note any wildlife observations (visual, tracks, calls, etc.) and important understory vegetation.

Selected Alpha Codes

Kirtland’s Warbler Survey Form Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Washburn Ranger District

Compartment:

Stand:

Date (MM/DD/YYY):

Surveyed By:

Time (Start & End):

0 = none

1 = 1-3 mph

2 = 4-7 mph

3 = 8-12 mph

4 = > 12 mph 0 = < 10% clouds

1 = partly cloudy

2 = mostly cloudy

3 = overcast

4 = raining

Temperature:

Wind:

Sky:

Survey Points

Alpha Code

Stand Description:

Density:

Height:

% Jack Pine/Hardwoods:

% Openings:

Vaccinium Understory? (If yes give %):

Habitat Suitability:

Notes:

Also note any wildlife observations (visual, tracks, calls, etc.) and important understory vegetation.

Selected Alpha Codes

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST

WASHBURN RANGER DISTRICT

BAYFIELD COUNTY

KIRTLAND’S WARBLER SURVEYS

Item Species DESCRIPTION

QTY

UNIT $

TOTAL $

South, maps 1-6

115 points

North, maps 1-5

206 points

North, maps 6-8

162 points

North, maps 9-11 131 points

Total

Surveys to be conducted June 5 – June 20.

Basis of award: contracts will be awarded by item based on past performance, experience and price.

Technical questions can be referred to Scott Posner, 715-373-2667 X240

Rare Animal Field Report Form

Wisconsin’s Natural Heritage Inventory Scientific name:

Common name:

Observer:

Telephone No:

Date/time of observation:

Weather Conditions:

County:

7.5 minute Quadrangle name:

Location (Include township, range, section, quarter/quarter sections, and directions to site. Include a map of the site.):

Nature of observation:

sight record road kill tracks song collected specimen other Numbers observed (give age and sex if known):

Evidence of reproduction at site:

Behavioral notes:

Landowner (if known):

Associated natural community or plant community:

Describe habitat (include associated plant species):

Associated animal species (especially related taxa):

Evidence of disturbance or threats to the population at the site:

Please send completed form with map to:

Zoologist - Natural Heritage Inventory, PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707