Cooperative Landscape Conservation and Adaptive Science

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The USFWS uses a science-based, adaptive framework for setting and achieving cross-program conservation objectives that strategically address the problems fish and wildlife will face in the future. This framework, called Strategic Habitat Conservation, is based on the principles of adaptive management and uses population and habitat data, ecological models, and focused monitoring and assessment efforts to develop and implement strategies that result in measurable fish and wildlife population outcomes. In addition, by leveraging resources and strategically targeting science to inform conservation decisions and actions, Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCC) are being established to create a network of partners working in unison to ensure the sustainability of America¿s land, water, wildlife and cultural resources.Financial assistance will be awarded for science projects and LCC-prioritized biological planning, conservation design and adaptive management projects to include: research; inventory design and implementation; monitoring; goal and priority setting associated with efficient and effective conservation; development of implementation strategies; and projects supporting all other FWS organizational efforts, including planning, establishment maintenance, and general business operationsA determination of award instrument (grant or cooperative agreement) will be based on the level of Federal involvement . A cooperative agreement award should only be used when substantial Federal involvement is expected. Per 505 DM 2, Section 2.9 substantial involvement is expected when FWS: ¿ Participates and collaborates jointly with the recipient partner, volunteer, scientist, technician or other personnel, in carrying out the scope of work, training recipient personnel, or detailing Federal personnel to work on the project effort;¿ Reviews and approves one stage of work before the next stage can begin;¿ Reviews and approves proposed modifications or sub-grants, prior to award;¿ Helps select project staff or trainees;¿ Directs or redirects the work because of interrelationships with other projects;¿ Has power to immediately halt an activity if detailed performance specifications are not met;¿ Limits recipient discretion with respect to scope of work, organization structure, staffing, mode of operations and other management processes, coupled with close monitoring or operational involvement during performance under the award.¿ If indirect costs are included in budget proposal, a copy of the organization¿s current approved indirect cost rate agreement or pending proposal

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