Avian Monitoring for Listed And Species At Risk at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, China Lake, California
This new requirement addresses several efforts that will seek to collect data on the distribution and status of protected bird species at Naval Weapons Air Station (NAWS) China Lake. Amateur enthusiasts and volunteers have collected a large data set on avian abundance and occurrence from the Indian Wells Valley including Mainsite and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. However, this data does not reflect the full range of habitats found at China Lake, and over-represents waterbird abundance. The Inyo California towhee (Pipilo crissalis eremophilus) was federally listed as threatened in 1987 because the entire population is confined to a very limited habitat which has been altered and could be further adversely impacted by future land use changes. In 2013 a bird-banding station and walking surveys were awarded to monitor Inyo towhee population. These walking surveys do not cover the broad range of habitats represented on NAWS China Lake. The purpose of this Agreement is to collect data on protected (federally-listed, Species at Risk, Migratory Bird Treaty Act) bird species in order to compile a more comprehensive dataset on avian abundance, status, and habitat use covering the broad range of habitats represented at NAWS China Lake. The findings of this survey effort will provide information on avian numbers that will aid in the conservation of avian species, support Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) updates, and provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with valuable information to aid with a potential delisting of the Inyo California towhee, a Federally threatened species that may be encountered on surveys. This data will also support the implementation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) readiness waiver as well as ongoing conservation of MBTA and federally-listed avian species. Such information is necessary for the Station to address issues dealing with the presence of listed and migratory birds of special concern. Without this data, compliance with, or alleged infractions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and MBTA cannot be determined.
Office: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL RESEARCH
Contract Specialist
Phone 619.532.1592
