Statement_of_Work_1.pdf

Statement of Work U.S.G.S. Western Ecological Research Center

Joshua Tree National Park Project Net Gun Capture of Bighorn Sheep

Introduction

The U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, requests an award for expert services of a professionally skilled crew for a helicopter net gun capture and deployment of GPS collars on desert bighorn sheep in the Queen’s Mountain region of Joshua Tree National Park.

Background & Scope

Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) are the iconic mammal of Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), providing valued experiences for visitors. The chance to see bighorn hidden among the rocks can be the highlight of a visit to the park. However, three significant threats loom over the future of desert bighorn sheep at JOTR: 1) a 50% loss in summer habitat due to loss of available surface water, 2) increased visitation pressure, and 3) disease. In addition, the estimated number of bighorn sheep inhabiting JOTR is unknown, as population surveys of the three herds located in the park have not been conducted for more than 20 years, making it difficult to determine impacts to the population from these key threats. The general objectives of this project are to survey, sample and monitor bighorn sheep to get a current population status of bighorn in JOTR and to identify key threats to the population. Specific objectives are to: (1) monitor bighorn sheep with the use of GPS collars to closely examine movement and behavioral patterns related to water requirements; (2) assess visitor use patterns in areas where bighorn sheep habitat and popular park attractions overlap to understand the impact of recreation on bighorn habitat use (using GPS location data) and behavior; (3) sample herds for presence of disease, with particular attention to M. ovi.; (4) conduct population surveys for bighorn sheep throughout the park; (5) develop collaborations with CDFW thru an MOU that will allow effective population and disease monitoring of the JOTR bighorn sheep population. These data will be used for implementation of appropriate management responses, including a trail management/visitor use plan, climbing management plan and resource stewardship strategy.

Technical requirements (Description of Services)

Expert services of a highly skilled net gun crew and helicopter are required to find and capture bighorn sheep in extreme desert conditions, such as that found in Joshua Tree National Park, California. The capture crew must demonstrate experience capturing and deploying Iridium GPS collars and collecting biological samples (blood, nasal swabs). We anticipate that sheep will be processed and released at the capture site but may also be brought to a staging area. “Acceptable experience” consists of the following:

- Capturing and tagging

- Deploying collars

- Obtaining blood samples

- Applying ear tags

- Obtaining tracheal swabs

The vendor is expected to take no more than one hour of search time per sheep. Samples must be appropriately stored until they are delivered to the Project Lead. The vendor must furnish its own equipment necessary for the work, with the exception of radio-collars, and ear tags and containers for biological samples (to be provided by the USGS).

USGS employees will not be a part of the helicopter net gun crew.

This bighorn sheep population is small and sparsely distributed across the landscape. Search time for individual sheep will be no more than one hour. All capture work must be carried out in coordination with the USGS Technical Liaison.

Deliverables

The vendor shall successfully deploy up to 18 GPS collars on captured bighorn sheep, apply an ear tag and collect and provide biological samples, including blood and tracheal samples. The vendor shall provide GPS coordinates of capture locations and pictures of each animal before it’s release.

Government-furnished property:

Radio-collars Ear tags (including attachment tool) Sample containers (blood, pharyngeal samples)

Period of Performance:

Date of Award through December 31, 2022.