Statement of Work_1.pdf

Statement of Work

Fecal Sampling within Yukon Caribou Calving Range

1.0 Introduction and Background

To meet the objectives of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Changing Arctic Ecosystems research project “Assessing the effects of climate-induced variability on the behavior, distribution and demography of the Porcupine Caribou Herd”, USGS has a need to acquire caribou fecal pellets from the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH).

The PCH ranges across northeast Alaska and the northwest Yukon Territory, and is of great public concern given their high ecological value and role as a critical subsistence resource for indigenous people. The effects of climate change are expected to significantly influence summer foraging opportunities for PCH, and concomitantly their distributions, movements and demographic rates, but the consequences of these changes remain unknown despite their importance for caribou dynamics and rural subsistence. Concerns about PCH are being further compounded by new plans to expand energy development into the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as this area is the preferred calving and post-calving range of the herd.

To address these concerns, USGS has initiated a study that will, in part, assess variation in diet and forage conditions across the PCH’s calving ranges within the Arctic coastal plain in Alaska and Yukon (Fig. 1). Before forage conditions can be adequately sampled during the study period (Estimated 1 June – 15 July), however, specific plants caribou are consuming need to be identified. To meet that objective, USGS will analyze caribou fecal pellets to evaluate spatio-temporal variation in early summer diet. While USGS will conduct sampling within the calving ranges on the Alaska side of the border, the Contractor will collect congruent field data on the Yukon side of the border, in the northern Yukon Territory. There are no roads within the calving grounds so helicopter access will be necessary.

2.0 Scope

During June of 2021, the Contractor will sample caribou fecal pellets within the PCH calving ranges of Arctic coastal plain on the Yukon side of the border, primarily within Ivvavik National Park. The Contractor is responsible for providing labor, equipment and supplies to perform the required work. All field sampling is estimated to occur between 1 and 10 June, which is the PCH calving period.

3.0 Applicable Documents

Project Study Plan: Assessing the effects of climate-induced variability on the behavior, distribution and demography of the Porcupine Caribou Herd (Alaska Science Center, Wetlands and Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch).

4.0 Technical Requirements

Estimated Between 1 and 10 June 2021, the Contractor will collect fresh fecal pellets at the locations of approximately 10-15 GPS-collared female caribou (approximately eight hours of helicopter time). Locations of caribou will be accessed directly by the Contractor, as they (the Yukon Government) manage the satellite tracking program of the PCH. Of those collared females located within the Yukon Territory, the Contractor will select individuals for sampling that reflect the general distribution of calving caribou on the Canadian side of the border. To reduce disturbance to caribou, sampling will occur at least 24 hours after caribou have been at those locations. The Contractor will collect at least one fresh pellet group at each site. The Contractor shall keep pellet groups from individual caribou separate. The Contractor shall avoid DNA cross-contamination and degradation prevented.

5.0 Deliverables

The Contractor shall deliver fecal pellets from 10-15 locations within the Yukon PCH calving area by September 30, 2021. Fecal samples shall be labeled with the collection location (GPS coordinates), the date of collection, and the identifier of the individual collared caribou used to select the sampling site.

Figure 1. Location of Porcupine Caribou Herd calving grounds (red polygon) in Alaska and in the Yukon Territory.