OpportunityTitle: Mitigate Endangered Bird Habitat prior to Tamarisk defoliation by the Northern Tamarisk Beetle
Description: This project will pro-actively restore and improve Federally Endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus; SWFL) habitat at prioritized sites along the Colorado River Corridor in Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA). The biological control agent northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) began establishing in the park in 2009, and is successfully defoliating non-native tamarisk, altering what has become important habitat for the SWFL. While tamarisk management is in alignment with NPS policies and plans, the NPS must also protect endangered and sensitive species that have adapted to tamarisk-dominated riparian habitat. This project will focus on selective tamarisk removal during the non-breeding season in order to minimize impacts to avian species and installation of native species to fill its niche. This work is in accordance with the 2002 USFWS Recovery Plan, the 2006 Colorado River Management Plan EIS, and the 2009 Invasive Plant Management Plan EA. The project will focus on assessment, design and vegetative and habitat restoration at Cardenas Camp RM 71.7L, as well as assessment and design components for restoring Grand Canyon Youth Camp (GCY) RM 274L .
GrantorContactEmailDescription: .
GrantorContactText: Grants Management Specialist Kelly Adams &lt;br/&gt;Kelly_Adams@nps.gov&lt;br/&gt;