Spotted Frog Surveys

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This contract is needed to initiate contacts and surveys on private lands for the Columbia spotted frog, a Candidate species, in Owyhee County, Idaho. This agreement is between the USFWS and the Bruneau River Soil Conservation District (BRSCD), a non-profit organization. Little is known about the distribution of Columbia spotted frogs on private lands in Idaho, and in the past landowners have been reluctant to grant permission to agency biologists to conduct surveys or initiate conservation actions. Work to initiate contact and seek permission to conduct surveys with private landowners is needed during the active period for spotted frogs in 2009. Our current estimate of the amount of time required by field personnel to make contacts, initiate discussions, and conduct these surveys is at least 30 days. However, this estimate is preliminary and subject to revision. The time that could be spent conducting these surveys is related to the positive response that can be obtained from landowners. Bruneau River Soil Conservation District, specifically Duane LaFayette, has the experience and relationships to make these contacts and conduct surveys, in coordination with USFWS and possibly Idaho Department of Fish and Game biological staff.

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