Youth Invasive Plant and Trail Projects

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NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD This Funding Announcement is not a request for applications. This announcement is to provide public notice of the National Park Service¿s intention to fund the following project activities without full and open competition. The Alaska National Park Service intends to award 7 to 8 cooperative agreements to the Southeast Alaska Guidance Association (SAGA) for youth program projects in Alaska National Parks under the authority of the Public Land Corps Act, 16 USC 1723(c). OVERVIEW Under this agreement, The Southeast Alaska Guidance Association youth crews will travel to the participating parks, learn about NPS resource management, and provide assistance with invasive plant management. In addition to control work, SAGA crews may assist in surveying for invasive plants, monitoring infestations, collecting and cultivating native plant seeds, and participating in educational or research efforts pertaining to invasive plants. The primary purpose to be accomplished is the education of invasive species impact on Alaska Natural Resources, and how those resources can be better protected and managed. The physical removal process of invasive plant infestations involves pulling, digging, and cutting. Proposed cooperative agreements to be awarded under this funding opportunity announcement will take place at participating Alaska National Parks. Any intended cooperative agreements issued under this funding opportunity announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Additional projects may include hiking the park trails and participating with the National Park Service (NPS) trail crews to complete trail improvement projects as authorized by the Public Land Corp Act, 16 USC 1723(c). The primary focus of this project is to get youth participants outside, enjoying and learning about their Alaska parks, and to promote natural resources stewardship. STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN SAGA crews provide a compliment to the Alaska Exotic Plant Management Team weed management efforts. These crews have participated in extensive manual weed pulls in isolated areas of the region¿s park. They have shown great flexibility in working with different parks to organize the numerous specialized logistics, such as transportation, and equipment, associated with these remote areas. Being a local, Alaska-based organization ¿ they bring specific knowledge of the varied landscapes, potential hazards, and project logistics to the table. Collaboration between the NPS and SAGA is required to identify project areas and treatment timing through proper training and guidance from NPS plant management specialist. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT The SAGA agrees to: Provide a trained five to six member youth crew, with two leaders experienced in supervision and ensuring basic work safety. Assure that crew will be physically able to do manual labor for an eight hour day. Provide transportation to the work site, camp gear and food for all crew members and daily maintenance and cleaning to camp facilities. Complete invasive plant control program at Alaska National Park Systems units: DENA, WRST and possible others. Coordinate work schedule with NPS to ensure project completion within target schedule. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT Substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following: Have an NPS representative to conduct park orientation pertinent to safety and guidance on the NPS goals and mission. Provide educational opportunities and instruction in natural and cultural resource management. Participate in treating project areas with SAGA crews to help orient crews to the area, assist in plant identification, and conduct project monitoring ensure that any necessary redirection of work occurs. Provide crew with up to two portable radios for emergency communication with NPS office area. Provide project management direction, guidance and oversight. Provide a place to set up living quarters including sanitation and potable water. Provide specialized tools, materials, and supplies necessary to accomplish the project. SINGLE-SOURCE JUSTIFICATION: Department of the Interior Policy (505 DM 2) requires a written justification which explains why competition is not practicable for each single-source award. The justification must address one or more of the following criteria as well as discussion of the program legislative history, unique capabilities of the proposed recipient, and cost-sharing contribution offered by the proposed recipient, as applicable.Unique Qualifications The Southeast Alaska Guidance Association is an established Alaska Non-profit organization with the mission to improve lives, lands and communities in Alaska through service learning since 1985. This organization provides local young people with exposure to national parks through work programs and plays a vital role in the NPS youth involvement initiative. SAGA has shown great flexibility in working with different parks to organize the numerous specialized logistics, such as transportation, and equipment, associated with Alaska¿s remote areas. Technical Representative: Chris Overbaugh, Liaison - Exotic Plant Management Team. 907-644-3452.

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