Island Lake Fire Burned Area Rehabilitation 2015-2016

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This program will support implementation of the Island Lake Fire Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) Plan. This BAR plan describes activities and treatments for lands and wildlife habitats burned during the Island Lake Fire. The fire burned wetland, riparian and upland vegetation composed of a mix of native and exotic species. The primary fire carrier was common reed (Phragmites australis), which allowed the fire to spread quickly throughout the river corridor. Dense stands of exotic saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and areas with sparse and healthy stands of native mesquite, cottonwood, and willow were also consumed. Potential restoration sites were initially evaluated based on vegetation, site conditions, soils, water table depth, and fire severity. Sites were then prioritized based on the probability for restoration success. Strategic restoration efforts will be focused in areas encompassing about 6 percent (ca 200 acres) of the overall 3,304 acre fire. The identified restoration areas will be further refined through on the ground evaluation of desirable site characteristics listed above. The primary rehabilitation concern is re establishment of native wildlife habitats including riparian cottonwood and willow forest and mesquite woodlands. These habitats are increasingly rare and very productive for a diversity of wildlife species. This rehabilitation effort will focus on facilitated recovery of native species through integrated removal and herbicide treatment of exotics, cottonwood and willow pole planting, mesquite seeding, and flood irrigation. Activities under this funding opportunity will include, but are not limited to:Preparing restoration site boat accessAssistance with restoration site assessmentsRemoval of non-native saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and common reed (Phragmites australis) through manual removal or herbicide treatmentsSite preparation activities such as raking, irrigating, and soil preparationMesquite seed collectionCottonwood and willow pole harvestingPole planting of cottonwood and willowMequite seedingFlood irrigationThis opportunity will require frequent boat travel and labor intensive work in harsh environmental conditions. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees, and there is high potential to encounter venomous reptiles, stinging insects, and thorny plants. Funding recipients will be required to provide their own hand tools, water, food, and vehicle transportation to the refuge headquarters. The The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will provide boat transportation to the work sites.The Service under the Island Lake Fire BAR Plan intends to award a single source award to the Arizona State Forestry Division This program's goal is to restore native forest along the Colorado River. The Arizona State Forestry Division has a great deal of expertise in burned area and forest rehabilitation. In addition, the Division has a fire crew headquartered locally in Yuma that can devote a large number of individuals to meet the objectives of the Island Lake Fire BARe Plan in a cost efficient manner. This crew is also self sufficient with trained sawyers and herbicide applicators. The Arizona State Forestry Division is a local partner, familiar with the Colorado River riparian environment, and with the resources and internal capacity to maintain scheduling flexibility and to respond to project needs on short notice. Their proximity to the project site, cost efficiency, proven quality of work, flexible availability, expertise, and long standing track record with the Service justify a single source award to the Arizona State Forestry Division.

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