Riparian And Upland Restoration on the SW Arizona National Wildlife Refuges Complex

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Unique Qualifications - The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon the specific need in which the work is accomplished. Eligible applicants are limited to Southwest Conservation Corps. The Southwest Conservation Corps provides the needed service by utilizing hand crews that are both efficient and economical. Invasive species pose a serious threat to the health and integrity of natural communities on Cibola, Imperial, and Kofa National Wildlife Refuges. An integral part of the invasive species program is the use of hand crews. Hand crews can work in areas where it is not possible or practical to use heavy equipment or aerial spraying. Hand crews can be used to re-treat and maintain restoration sites, to treat new infestations, to work in fragile habitat, and to reach areas not readily accessible to heavy equipment or aircraft. SWCC crews provide an effective economical means to meet this need and they benefit by gaining valuable work experience. Project and Purpose - The principal purpose of this agreement is to restore native habitat within the historic floodplain of the Lower Colorado River. All restoration efforts will occur on one of the three Refuges within the SW Arizona National Wildlife Refuges Complex. Restored sites will mimic historic cottonwood-willow gallery forests, supplement available habitat for threatened and endangered species, and reduce invasive exotic plant distribution on the Refuge. An array of resident and migratory species will also benefit from restored habitats. In addition, restored sites will create wildlife corridors and facilitate recolonization of native fauna in previously restored sites. Further, establishment of native vegetation will increase aesthetic values and decrease soil erosion.

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