Niagra Escarpment Legacy Project

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THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE. This is a Notice of Intent to award in accordance with 505 DM 2, 2.14 B (4) a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the Western New York Land Conservancy for the purpose of restoration activities (native grassland and oak savannah restoration and acquisition) within Niagara County, New York. These activities are being carried out pursuant to the �Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Love Canal, 102nd Street and Forest Glen Mobile Home Subdivision Superfund Sites.� This Restoration Plan was prepared by the natural resource trustees: the U.S. Department of Interior, as represented by the Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In developing the Restoration Plan, the Service, representing all trustees, solicited potential restoration projects through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., letters and emails of inquiry to local, state and federal agencies, universities and non-government organizations, website notice). A Draft Restoration Plan was published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2004, presented on the Service website, sent to interested individuals/agencies and noticed in local Buffalo, New York newspapers. Based on comments received, the final Restoration Plan incorporating a range of preferred restoration project was prepared. The Final Restoration Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact were issued on July 18, 2005. This Cooperative Agreement will enable the Western New York Land Conservancy to carry out activities, including native grassland and oak savannah restoration and habitat acquisition, in accordance with the Restoration Plan. This Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(4), which allows for award without competition to an applicant who is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on location, voluntary support capacity, and technical expertise. Substantial involvement on the part of the Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. In particular, the Service will work with the Western New York Land Conservancy to review and approve all project management plans, monitoring plans, annual reports and the final report. The Service will provide expertise in the restoration, management and monitoring of native grassland and oak savannah habitat. In accordance with 505 DM 2.9 B the Service will be substantially involved.

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