FA BLM AZ GDO Las Cienegas NCA Healthy Landscapes, Science and Engagement

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Project Background Information: Proposed restoration of riparian and aquatic habitats, the eradication of bullfrogs and other non-natives and the introduction or expansion of native frog and other species was identified as program goal through the LCNCA Resource Management Plan and ESA Consultation. Between 2009 and 2013, through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant for $392,000 to the Cienega Watershed Partnership, this program, FROG, completed work at several locations on and around Las Cienegas NCA. Project partners were BLM, Arizona Game & Fish, the Cienega Watershed Partnership, the University of Arizona , US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Caldwell Designs. Follow up is needed from the larger FROG project to ensure continued monitoring for native frogs and detecting presence of exotic bullfrogs; controlling bullfrogs and crayfish; and for completing project work for additional ponds and expanded habitats and for continuing to monitor the project. Phase B work under this grant continues the monitoring of native frogs, detection monitoring for bullfrogs and bullfrog control. The Youth Engaged Stewardship (YES!) project is a program that was developed starting in 2012, through a collaboration of environmental and educational organizations, to involve youth in watershed improvement projects on public land. Professional researchers, scientists and land managers from BLM, the Cienega Watershed Partnership, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Prescott College Ironwood Tree Experience, Empire High School, and the FROG Conservation Project developed and implemented a pilot YES! In summer 2012. In 2012, seven high school students from Vail and Tucson high schools were selected for the pilot. The team worked on restoration of a frog pond for their project. The team chose to work on fencing the project area, building rock structures and designing an interpretative sign. In 2013, YES! participants focused on planning and implementing a wetland re-vegetation project around 3-4 recently excavated wetlands at Cieneguita. Over 200 plants were transplanted and students developed and completed a Volunteer Day brining in additional public participants. In 2014, this work will continue but will also consider how youth can complete monitoring using acceptable scientific standards. Project Objective: The principle purpose of this project is to facilitate continued active collaborative engagement of partners and stakeholders in the Cienega watershed with a focus on Las Cienegas NCA. Through this engagement a variety of partners and stakeholders will work side by side with BLM to restore grassland watersheds, floodplains, riparian areas and fish and wildlife habitats; to support special status species reintroductions; control of exotic or invasive species; protection of cultural resources; engagement of youth; and connection to regional projects. Collectively BLM and recipient will complete specific tasks and projects on the ground at LCNCA to improve native species, riparian and wetland areas, and grassland components through a proven approach engaging a variety of partners and youth. The objective of this project is to make a positive impact on both the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area landscape and habitats, and on youth who engage in stewardship. Main objectives; 1. Improve native frog population security by controlling exotic bullfrogs and crayfish and through translocation of native species. 2. Monitor native frog populations and wetland improvement habitats. 3. Monitor temperatures at specific locations and disease affecting native frogs. 4. Maintain the frog shed buffer and maintain specific restoration (translocation) projects 5. Develop youth leadership and team skills through development of a youth board. 6. Offer a student-driven field experience, engage youth in public lands and naturalresources (and cultural) management. 7. Support youth to plan, implement, and manage a watershed/wildlife improvement project. 8. Expose students to career opportunities and to multi-disciplinary approaches. 9. Develop youth critical thinking/problem solving skills.

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