At-Risk Plants and Pollinators and their Ecological Conditions

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For information on how to apply, please see the attached 'Outreach of Interest Template Instructions' document. This Outreach of Interest (OOI) functions as an outreach mechanism to cultivate relationships and connect with potential partners. This OOI is intended to solicit responses to explore future projects meeting the needs and interests of potential partners through partnership agreements within legislative authority with USDA Forest Service. USDA Forest Service is looking to continue being the leader in natural resource conservation by delivering the best science and land management strategies to sustain the Nation’s “at-risk plant species” during the forest plan revision process and implementation of land and resource management plans. The agency is looking to ensure suitable ecosystems are sustained by restoration or maintaining species diversity and ecological productivity of at-risk plant species populations. This initiative aims to foster new partnerships with botanical organizations, researchers, and educational institutions who have a shared interest in at-risk plant species conservation for current and future generations. Your submission signals an opportunity for USDA Forest Service to explore with you your ideas/projects/programs and federal funding opportunities. USDA Forest Service is committed to fostering a strong, collaborative partnership that benefits at-risk plant species populations and their habitats. Our collaborations are vital for understanding necessary potential habitat, conservation measures, and survey/monitoring techniques throughout the land management process. By working together, all stakeholders can maximize our knowledge and conservation of at-risk plant species during land management efforts on national forests and grasslands. This project addresses inventory and monitoring needs for “at risk” species of plants and pollinators, and the ecological conditions needed to support them. USDA Forest Service is required to maintain the diversity of plant and animal communities and the persistence of native species in the plan area. Rare plant species typically receive a special designation, either as a federally listed threatened or endangered species, which are designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a Regional Forester designated sensitive species (RFSS), or as a Species of Conservation Concern (SCC).  These are collectively known as ‘at-risk” species. There may also be other plant species or plant and animal communities of special interest to tribes, states, or other stakeholders. Activities associated with this project could include the direct inventory, monitoring, and mapping of populations of risk plants or non-native invasive plant species, using global positioning systems (where possible). Activities could also include conducting literature reviews, field trips with knowledgeable individuals, training field crews on field surveys and assessments, or synthesis of available information on distribution, rarity, and ecological requirements of select at-risk plant species or pollinator species, working across boundaries with tribes, states, or other entities.