Youth Crew - Plant Management - National Park Service - Missouri National Recreational River

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL PROJECT TO BE INITIATED THROUGH National Park Service Missouri National Recreational River Funding Opportunity Number: FFY2014-MNRR-YPMC-0002 Park: Missouri National Recreational River 508 E 2nd St Yankton SD 57078 Project title: Exotic and Invasive Plant Management Proposed Project Date: mid-May – End of September (exact dates to be determined) Estimated funding available: $25,000 Number of Positions Available: 1 Crew (1 crew leader and at least 2 additional crew members) Summary: The crew will manage invasive plants and restore native vegetation at Missouri National Recreational River on park owned lands and on lands owned by other agencies within the park boundaries. Mechanical and chemical treatments will be used to manage infestations of target species of non-native and invasive plants in multiple areas of the park, including natural areas and high-visibility sites with high-visitor use. Background: Two free flowing stretches of the Missouri River make up the National Recreational River covering a 100-mile stretch of North America's longest river, a vestige of the untamed American West. The Missouri National Recreational River protects 98 river miles of the Missouri River between Fort Randall Dam and Ponca, Nebraska. The park owns about 300 acres and works with multiple agencies and private landowners to preserve and protect the scenic, historic, natural, and recreational values of the Missouri River for public use and enjoyment. The park is dominated by riparian and bluff land, deciduous forest, and also supports grasslands, wetlands, tributary streams, and farmland. Rapid weather changes are common along the Missouri National Recreational River corridor. Variations from season to season and from year to year are great. Characteristics of the climate are hot summers and cold winters. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months and are generally warm with average temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s. Average annual rainfall is 25 inches, of which about 80% falls from April through September. In 2008 the park moved into its first dedicated headquarters building just off the riverfront in Yankton, South Dakota. Ample camping is available in the vicinity of Yankton near park headquarters. No housing is provided. Work is performed outdoors in somewhat remote locations including islands (transportation to islands will be provided) although most locations will be accessible by truck. Crew must come fully equipped to complete assignments. Possible Projects and Work Activities for 2014: • Remove Buckthorn, Russian Olive, and Eastern Red Cedar from Green Island (NPS owned) and adjoining City of Yankton property • Remove Buckthorn and Eastern Red Cedar from Mulberry Bend Overlook (NPS Owned) • Remove Eastern Red Cedar from Bow Creek Recreation Area (NPS Owned) • Remove Buckthorn and Eastern Red Cedar from Myron Grove and Frost Game Production Areas (SD Game Fish and Parks owned) • Remove Buckthorn and Eastern Red Cedar from Audubon Bend and North Alabama Bend properties (US Army Corp of Engineers Owned) • Assist with Salt Cedar searches with County Weed Superintendents • Buckthorn and Russian Olive cut surfaces will be treated with herbicides approved by the park (Garlon and Habitat respectively although others would be considered). Skills desired: ∙ Safe and Proficient operation of chainsaws and backpack pesticide sprayers is required -Must be fully trained prior to arrival ∙ Crew must be self-sufficient and able to appropriately conduct work without immediate supervision ∙ Knowledge of plant identification ∙ Knowledge of and ability to control exotic plants using manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques ∙ Ability to lead, coordinate, and work with others including cooperating agencies Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications: Interested organizations should submit a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. Include a bid with the Statement of Information. The Statement of Information and bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Submit a Statement of Interest electronically to catherine_schroeder@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Friday, March 28, 2014, as well as any questions you may have concerning the project. Note: This Request for Information seeks responses from organizations qualified to provide individual and/or crews of youth and young adults for internship opportunities with the National Park Service that provide environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities through conservation, natural resource management, and emergency response work. Individuals interested in serving as an intern or crew member should contact the park directly. For general information on Youth Program opportunities visit: http://www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/youthprograms/index.htm.

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