California Federal Grants

This grant provides $9 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for projects that improve environmental resilience and conserve threatened species in the Mojave Desert around the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in California for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks and enhancing community resilience through fuels management and fire prevention education.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and tribal organizations in California to develop and implement projects focused on native plant conservation and restoration, enhancing ecological resilience and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect and restore California's aquatic resources and ecosystems, particularly benefiting underserved and indigenous communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that protect wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity on public lands in California, targeting state and local governments, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit groups.

This grant provides funding for state and local governments, Native American tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to improve forest and woodland health, enhance fire resilience, and support ecosystem restoration projects in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, tribes, and non-profits for projects that improve outdoor recreation access and infrastructure in California, particularly for underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to government entities, educational institutions, tribal governments, and nonprofits for projects that conserve and recover threatened and endangered species in California, with a focus on engaging underrepresented communities.

This funding opportunity is designed for partners within the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to support research on climate-driven range shifts by providing training, facilitating workshops, and conducting data synthesis efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments for projects that improve affordable housing, economic opportunities, and infrastructure for low- and moderate-income communities.

Project Title: Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Support for Fort Hunter Liggett, CaliforniaA cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the of the recipients CESU Master Agreement.Note the established CESU Program indirect rate is 17.5%.Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project. Approximately $509,141 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years.NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 16 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act. For projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife.Period of Performance. The Base will be 12 months from the date of award. There may be up to six 12-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding.Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of ObjectivesNOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capability for performing similar or same type of work by submitting a Statement of Interest. A full proposal and budget are NOT requested at this time.Submission of Your Statement of Interest1. Statements of Interest are due by 12:00 P.M., Central Time, on 7 SEP 2024.2. Direct questions no later than 26 AUG 2024 to:Sandra Justman, Grants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: [email protected]: 817-886-1073Brian Hesford, Project ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: [email protected]: 402-200-8268Review of Statements Received: All statements of interest received from a member of the CESU Region(s) identified above will be evaluated by a board comprised of one or more people at the receiving installation or activity, who will determine whichstatement(s) best meet the program objectives: offer the most highly qualified Principal Investigator, have the most relevant experience and the highest capability to successfully meet the program objectives. Submitters whose statements aredetermined to best meet the program objectives will be invited to submit a full proposal.Please see Related Documents Tab for Full RSOI Information

History/Background: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) has been an active installation since the 1940s, focusing on providing services, material support, and training venues that promote combat readiness. Since, its inception and the establishment of the Sikes Act in 1960, MCAS Miramar has actively been monitoring the effects of military land use on the overall condition of natural resources. In 1994, the Center for Earth Systems Analysis Research, a shared educational and research center located at San Diego State University, established a long term monitoring protocol to provide the mechanism for documenting the effects of military operations and training on vegetation native to MCAS Miramar. This protocol provided a continuous database of which to assist in altering land management actions to ensure long-term availability of natural areas for training and conservation. Brief Description of Anticipated Work: The project is to develop and implement a work plan for the current iteration of this monitoring effort, re-survey 82 permanently established monitoring plots according to MCAS Miramars standardized ecosystem monitoring program that inventories and monitors the condition of training lands and natural resources, identify and describe any ecological trends developing as indicated by the previous and current survey efforts for the monitoring plots, provide detailed site descriptions and information on disturbance and erosion, provide individual summaries of the composition, structure and site characteristics of the 82 plots surveyed in the 2003 LTEM report, provide contrast of summaries of the individual plots that comprise each major vegetation type for the three survey efforts, provide evaluation and discussion of management implications, provide photographic documentation of the plots, and submit draft and final reports along with all associated Geographical Information System (GIS) deliverables and maps for this monitoring effort that integrates all years efforts, results, analyses, evaluates the effectiveness of this effort. Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar):In order to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (19 USC 1531 et seq.), DoD Instruction 4715.3 Environmental Conservation Program, and Marine Corps Order P5090.2A MCAS Miramars 2018 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) identified a management objective to support the Special Status Species Management on MCAS Miramar. This objective is to proactively maintain up-to-date data for special status species through the collection of information on presence or absence, location, habitat availability and suitability, and life history requirements of federally threatened and endangered avian species to support planning for military operational requirements and habitat conservation. The resulting reports directly support projects and maintenance planning, including Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultations. Data gathered from these surveys can directly guide management decisions on MCAS Miramar and further understanding of how federally threatened and endangered species utilize habitat available on MCAS Miramar.Brief Description of the Anticipated Work:This Cooperative Agreement outlines terms and the cooperative effort of the Department of the Navy (DoN), Navy Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest (NAVFAC SW), on behalf of MCAS Miramar. The DON is seeking statements of interest that address requirements associated with MCAS Miramar. On MCAS Miramar the base portion of this Agreement will focus on federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica; gnatcatcher).Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.Period of

Funding Opportunity Description Naval Weapons Station (NAVWPNSTA) Seal Beach Detachment Fallbrook (Detachment Fallbrook, installation) is located in north San Diego County, adjacent to Camp Pendleton and the town of Fallbrook. Detachment Fallbrook resides within the California Floristic Province, which is a Mediterranean type climate and is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot of global significance ecosystem known for high biodiversity and endemism. On the installation, there is a diversity of flora and fauna. The low-intensity land use requirement of the military mission has kept over 90% of Detachment Fallbrook lands as undeveloped and largely natural open space that supports a range of plant communities and provides habitat for many sensitive species, including federally listed threatened and endangered species. The intent of this project is to study five taxonomic groups: amphibians (including the federally endangered Arroyo Toad [ARTO, Anaxyrus californicus] and federally proposed Spadefoot Toad [Spea hammondii]; reptiles (including federally proposed Southwestern Pond Turtle [Actinemys pallida]); mammals (with a focus on bats [Chiroptera] and other mammals of potential management interest); plants (with a focus on rare, endangered, and species of potential management concern); and invertebrates (including the federally proposed Monarch Butterfly [Danaus plexippus]). One species, ARTO, is both a California species of special concern and a federally listed endangered species. The ARTO is surveyed regularly per a 2003 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (UFWS) Biological Opinion (BO) to support the implementation of fire management on the installation (FWS-SDG-04B0004-04F0005). Of particular interest with the ARTO is tracking the riverine portion of the population over time as well as characterizing its uplands occupancy. The installation also supports a diverse herpetofaunal population (reptiles and other amphibians). Numerous herpetofaunal species on the installation are considered California species of special concern and a couple, the Spadefoot Toad and Southwestern Pond Turtle, have been proposed for federal listing. This taxonomic group is routinely surveyed to assess diversity and trends in species within the installation, as well as monitor for exotic or rare species that may not have been detected yet. One group of mammals, the bats, has received a lot of conservation attention in North America in recent years. This is due in part to their ecological and economic value in the face of alarming population declines following the spread of a fungal disease known to be associated with white-nose syndrome. Bats occur throughout the installation, to include roosting in bat boxes and within manmade structures such as magazines; there are current mission/bat conflicts that require evaluation and management support. There are other mammalian species of potential management concern at Detachment Fallbrook that have been less well studied, including San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit, American Badger, and Woodrats. Plant diversity on the installation is high with over 600 plant species documented on Detachment Fallbrook. The majority of plant species are classified as native; however, approximately 30% are non-native. Detachment Fallbrooks 2016 Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) identifies which species have voucher specimens on file and which species are on the Detachment Fallbrook Watch List because more information (e.g., confirmation of presence) is needed. In response, botanical diversity at Detachment Fallbrook is surveyed periodically for differing management purposes, including early detection of invasive species, vigilance for rare or listed species, assessing parameters for habitat restoration and recovery, etc. Finally, in addition to being ecologically significant (e.g., as important food source, pollinators, decomposers, etc.), some invertebrate species in our region are of particular management interest because they are invasive pests (e.g., Gold-Spotted Oak Borer, Shothole Borer) or species at risk and/or proposed for listing (e.g., Monarch Butterfly). The Monarch Butterfly is known to occur on Detachment Fallbrook and is of current management interest because it is slated to be listed in 2024, but the Navy does not have good data on its potential habitat and distribution. Brief Description of the Anticipated Work: The Navy is seeking statements of interest that address two objectives: 1) to conduct mandatory surveys for ARTO, along with surveys for other amphibians and reptiles (with an emphasis on species proposed for federal listing), bats, plants and invertebrates (with an emphasis on Monarch Butterfly), and as required by the aforementioned BOs and DoD instructions. 2) to continue surveys for these taxonomic groups per requirements in accordance with the installations INRMP as enforced through 16 USC 670c-1 (Natural Resources Management - Sikes Act), Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 4715.03 and Operation Naval Instruction 5090-1. Please see enclosure 1 for full scope of work and enclosure 2 for applicable terms and conditions.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to facilitate development of the OpenET software system and evapotranspiration (ET) data production, data assessments, and data quality, thereby advancing OpenET capabilities to operational viability. Fulfillment of these duties will require OpenET software system architecture expertise; development expertise for multi-sensor data fusion frameworks; and coordination and management of the OpenET science team among related OpenET consortium activities. Research objectives will support water mission planning and external OpenET partners and data user communities through deliverables that refine remote sensing ET estimates used for water management decisions for human and natural use.

San Clemente Island (SCI) is uniquely capable of supporting integrated training and, as such, is a highly valuable, irreplaceable asset to the Navy. In addition to its direct training support value, its proximity to southern California allows sailors and marines to effectively train in closer proximity to their families and support networks, increasing quality of life and force sustainability. The Navy is required to ensure ecosystem management is the basis for all management of its lands (Sikes Act, as amended [16 USC 670a]; DoD Instruction 4715.03). While the Sikes Act, as amended, and other instructions, described above, require stewardship for natural resources on military installations, including species not listed under the Endangered Species Act, these projects support the military mission on SCI and do not foreclose current or future training opportunities. San Clemente Island (SCI) harbors large numbers of endemic organisms, several of which are listed as endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Navy, in accordance with the ESA and the Federal Noxious Weed Act, has an ongoing program to preserve the unique botanical resources and ecosystem of San Clemente Island. Brief Description of the Anticipated Work: 1. Grassland Restoration Native grasslands on SCI have been significantly impacted from historic grazing by non-native ungulates, invasion of non-native species, and drastic changes in the fire regime. In addition, increased training activity may present additional challenges for avoiding further impacts. Previous efforts on SCI have demonstrated the difficulty in achieving large-scale restoration of grasslands due to challenges associated with range access, site selection, and restrictions on ground disturbance. Recent efforts have been focused on identifying the most efficient and effective strategies for achieving small-scale restoration with long-term benefits. The purpose of this task is to further study the best methods for achieving successful grassland restoration on SCI, continue monitoring previous restoration efforts to evaluate long-term success, and integrate grassland restoration efforts with habitat management for other native species of conservation concern. 2. Habitat Restoration for Poa thomasii Poa thomasii, an annual grass species known only from three of the California Channel Islands, had not been recorded since being collected on San Clemente Island in 1903 and was presumed extinct. In July 2005, the species was located on Catalina Island at seven separate sites, primarily located in chaparral, across the island. This species is historically an integral component of SCI habitat that was lost due to the introduction of non-native plant and animal species. In 2010, the species was found in two locations on SCI in boxthorn habitat at the northern end of the island. Both locations on SCI are within areas that are used for training and subject to occasional fire. Previous work on Poa thomasii on SCI has been successful in improving the status of the species in terms of population numbers and improved habitat. Because this species was thought to be extinct, it has not been listed under ESA. The SCI Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) states an objective for the Navy to manage the species in such a way as to keep it from being listed. The INRMP notes that due to its restricted distribution on SCI, and those occurrences being located in areas of high human activity, the species is particularly vulnerable to local extinction. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Poa thomasii through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends. 3. Population augmentation for Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra is a perennial shrub native to the California Channel Islands. On SCI, the population was heavily impacted by non-native herbivores and likely would have been federally listed under ESA if the Navy had not proactively managed the species through propagation and outplanting. Recent genetic work may result in reclassification of the subspecies on SCI to a new species endemic to the island. In this case, it would become even more important to continue efforts to augment populations and manage population genetics to avoid listing under ESA. The purpose of this task is to increase the population size and resilience of Malva assurgentiflora ssp. glabra through propagation, outplanting, habitat restoration, and seed bulking, as well as monitoring natural occurrences and previous outplanting sites to evaluate population trends and genetic integrity. 4. Rare Plant Surveys Annual rare plant surveys are essential to document the status, distribution, and long term trends of species of conservation concern. Updating the rare plant database on an annual basis allows the Navy to stay in compliance with conservation measures, avoid listing under ESA, and make informed decisions about proposed changes to land use and infrastructure maintenance/construction. The purpose of this task is to collect monitoring data for species of conservation concern and assess the long term trends of these species on SCI. 5. Draft and Final Technical Report: The draft and final preliminary report shall be submitted in accordance with Section J. Submittals and Schedules. The report shall be in scientific format and include the following: 1) Title page showing title, date, cooperative agreement number, Pacific Fleet Representative and Cooperative Agreement Technical Representative contact information; 2) Sub-title page showing title, prepared by and for listings, date and recommended citation; 3) Table of contents; 4) Abstract or Executive Summary; 5) Introduction; 6) Methods; 7) Results; 8) Discussion; 9) Conclusions (to include synthesis with previous work and recommendations for future study); 10) Legible copies of the field notes, data forms and other information.

Project Title: Natural Resources Support Beale AFB, CA A cooperative agreement is being offered ONLY to members of the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program Region(s) identified above. Award will be made upon mutual agreement and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained in the request for proposal and the of the recipients CESU Master Agreement. Note the established CESU.Program indirect rate is 17.5%. Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential organizations for this project. Approximately $899,050.00 is expected to be available to support this project for the base period. Additional funding may be available to the successful recipient for optional tasks and/or follow on work in subsequent years. NOTE: This project will be awarded under the authority of 10 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act: For projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife. Period of Performance. The base period of agreement will extend 18 months from date of award. There may be up to four 18-month follow-on periods based on availability of funding. Description of Anticipated Work: See attached Statement of Objectives NOTE: At this time we are only requesting that you demonstrate available qualifications and capabaility for performing similar or same type of work.1. Statements of Interest are due by 12:00 P.M., Central Time, on 15 July 2024.2. Submit your Statement of Interest via e-mail attachments or direct questions to: Sandy JustmanGrants SpecialistUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: [email protected]: 817-886-1073David LeptienProject ManagerUSACE, Fort Worth DistrictEmail: [email protected]: 402-889-5570

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in Global Food-Security Support-Analysis Data (GFSAD) project. Climate variability and ballooning populations are putting unprecedented pressure on agricultural croplands and their water use, which are vital for ensuring global food and water security in the twenty-first century. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts, and changing diets have added to looming global food insecurity. Therefore, there is a critical need to produce consistent and accurate global cropland products at fine spatial resolution (e.g., farm-scale, 30m or better), which are generated consistently, accurately, and routinely (e.g., every year). In order to address these issues, the proposed study will make use of Landsat-8, 9, and Sentinel-2A&2B surface reflectance products already available in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud, and NASA’s Harmonized Landsat Sentinel-2 (HLS) Landsat derived product (HLSL30) for 2013-present and Sentinel-2 derived product (HLSS30) for 2015-present, that together have sub-5-day global coverage at nominal 30m resolution. The four cropland products will be generated using 14 mature MLAs that the team has extensive experience with such as random forest, support vector machines, decision trees, and spectral matching techniques (e.g., Thenkabail et al., 2021, Oliphant et al., 2019, Teluguntla et al., 2018, 2015, Xiong et al., 2017a, Thenkabail et al., 2012, 2009, 2007, 2005) as outlined in the methods section, utilizing GEE and\or other cloud platforms.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the application of Artificial Intelligence informed by explicit semantics to the practice of scientific assessments carried out by the USGS. The demand for actionable scientific findings from legislatively mandated scientific assessments in energy, mineral, biodiversity, and other National natural resource assets is increasing in intensity and requirements for currency with all available data, information, and knowledge. This demand can be aided through the development of AI scientists, intelligent agents built within a technological framework that iteratively improves through new generations of generative AI and related capabilities and trained through regular learning and adapting interactions with USGS scientists.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research and evaluation of evapotranspiration (ET) models across a multitude of wetlands sites in the United States. Using data from the Open Evapotranspiration platform (OpenET) a satellite-based ET cloud computing and data services platform in combination with a network of ground data, consideration of model data components for ET assessment will help provide better understanding of biophysical processes and model methods structures relating to accurate characterization of wetlands-based hydrologic ecosystems.