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2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form 2014 Pre-Proposal Application Form WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Cover page Applicant information Name of applicant organization: The Nature Conservancy Organization mailing address: 258 E. Main St., Ste. 200, Lander, WY 82520 Name of project director, job title, email address, phone (the project director will be our contact person for the application): Katherine Thompson, Northwest Wyoming Program Director [email protected] 307.250.5345 Alternate contact for this proposal: Karen Craft, [email protected], 307.335.2126 Short organizational mission statement: The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. We achieve this by working collaboratively with others on shared solutions. Annual Organizational Budget: $4,300,000 Project information Project Title: Shoshone River Revegetation Project Amount of Request: $248,900 Project Budget: $712,800 Project length: 2 years Brief summary of request: We propose to launch a collaborative project to restore native riparian vegetation along the Shoshone River in northwest Wyoming and to educate the community about restoration techniques and climate adaptation. This riparian habitat is vulnerable to warming temperatures and decreased river flows and is quickly being dominated by two invasive non-native shrub species. Replacing these invasive plants with a diversity of drought-tolerant native species will increase resilience to climate change in this biologically and socially important river corridor. Successful implementation of this project will increase the diversity of native plants and animals, improve water quality and quantity, and enhance conditions for human enjoyment of the river. 1 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form SECTION I: Proposal Narrative 1. Project Description We propose to restore native riparian vegetation along the Shoshone River in northwest Wyoming and to educate the community about restoration techniques and climate adaptation. The Shoshone River originates in Yellowstone National Park and flows east for 100 miles through the Absaroka Mountains and then Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin, where it waters the Wyoming towns of Cody, Powell, Lovell and others before it flows into Big Horn Lake at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. The upper Shoshone watershed contains essential migratory routes and crucial winter range for mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and pronghorn. The lower watershed contains a waterfowl migratory corridor, as well as a rich diversity of birds including endangered, threatened, and sensitive species. A number of predators occupy the watershed, including gray wolves, grizzly bears and mountain lions. The river contains a blue ribbon trout fishery, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout persist in the higher elevations of the watershed. This collaborative river restoration project will restore native vegetation to lower elevation Shoshone River riparian habitats that are vulnerable to warming temperatures and decreased river flows and that are quickly being dominated by two invasive non-native tree-shrubs. The 65-mile long lower Shoshone River and the basin surrounding it were identified as wildlife conservation priorities in Wyoming’s State Wildlife Action Plan (WGFD 2010). A recent vulnerability assessment identified that this priority conservation area has high vulnerability to climate change, due to high exposure to warming and drying conditions (Pocewicz et al. In draft). Recently local agencies and organizations have begun collaborating to restore the Shoshone River due to its degraded condition, importance to wildlife, and high vulnerability to climate change. Climate change is already impacting this wildlife-rich watershed. Recent air temperatures in Yellowstone National Park have already exceeded those of the last 6,000 years (Clark 2010, Shuman 2012). Rivers across the Central Rockies, including the South Fork of the Shoshone, are experiencing substantial declines in stream discharge throughout the year (Leppi et al. 2012). Higher air temperatures and lower water levels are likely to contribute to more frequent and severe droughts, declining water quality, higher water temperatures and lower levels of dissolved oxygen. These increases in temperature and declining water levels are expected to cause declines in Yellowstone region trout populations (Wenger et al. 2011). Native willow communities on the Shoshone, which provide some of the most important wildlife habitat in the watershed, are under pressure from conifer encroachment at higher elevations, and weed infestations at lower elevations, both a function of climate change (Rice et al. 2012). Segments of the Shoshone River watershed are listed by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality on the 303(d) list of impaired water bodies for fecal coliform (e.g., E. coli) impairments exceeding the primary and secondary recreational use standard (WDEQ 2012). Replacing invasive plants with diverse native species assemblages will increase resilience to climate change in the lower Shoshone River corridor. Russian olive and salt cedar (Elaeagnus angustifolia and Tamarix ramosissima) are invasive non-native shrubs that were introduced in the late 1800’s as ornamentals from Eurasia. In the past few decades, however, they have spread exponentially along rivers in the west where they present a serious threat to native species. These invasives are quickly expanding along the Shoshone River, where they are forming dense stands and inhibiting the regeneration of native trees and shrubs. These monotypic thickets can shade also and inhibit the growth of understory plants leading to exposed, unstable stream banks. Because E. coli is generally transported into streams in contaminated run-off, unstable stream banks are positively correlated with river contamination (Muirhead et al. 2005). E. coli and other pollutants are of increasing concern as river flows and the potential for dilution decrease and have potential consequences for recreational opportunities and human health. While reducing erosion does not directly address climatic changes, it helps this system to adapt to those changes by improving water quality, which we have a greater ability to control than changing climate conditions (Heller and Zavaleta 2008, West et al. 2009). The thorny invaders also use large quantities of water, impede access to the river for sportsmen, increase the salinity of the soil in which they grow, and reduce habitat quality for wildlife and livestock. Because these invasives tend to grow in very dense stands in comparison to native riparian forests, a riparian area 2 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form dominated by Russian olive and tamarisk uses much more water than a native riparian forest would. Removing Russian olive and salt cedar is expected to contribute to increased river flows (Andersen 1996, 1998). Russian olive may also cause the loss of habitat for cavity nesting, insectivorous, and wetland obligate birds (Knopf and Olson 1984, Olson and Knopf 1986, Brown 1990, Naugle et al. 1999). Working on Idaho’s Snake River, Brown (1990) found that wildlife species richness, abundance and density were lower in Russian olive than willow forests. He also found that all bird foraging guilds avoided Russian olive in the breeding season, and for some guilds attributed this to low insect abundance in these trees. Several authors have likewise found that salt cedar typically sustains a less diverse assemblage of insects and other arthropods than cottonwood or willow (Liesner 1971, Stevens 1985, Miner 1989, DeLay et al. 1999, as cited in Shafroth et al. 2005). Successful implementation of this project will increase the diversity of native plants and animals, improve water quality and quantity, and enhance conditions for human enjoyment of the river. More diverse riparian vegetation will increase the resilience of this system to climate change, and will improve habitat quality for waterfowl and other wetland and riparian-obligate birds, macroinvertebrates, native flora, and many other native species. Diversifying the riparian vegetation will improve habitat quality for beaver allowing their natural reestablishment in downstream segments of the Shoshone River. Water quality in the impaired Shoshone River will also be improved as salt concentrations brought to the surface by salt cedar are decreased, erosion is reduced, and the water table is raised. Reducing erosion will improve the clarity of the water and the quality of trout habitat in the river, by improving spawning grounds and feeding ability. Control of Russian olive has been underway on the Shoshone River for several years. To date, over 3,200 acres have been cleared of these invasive trees along roughly 25 miles of the lower Shoshone. Approximately 25 miles still need to be restored, but a recent backlash against the removal of these invasives has slowed our progress. Trees are typically cut down, and regrowth chemically treated for two years. Trees are piled and usually left to rot; thorny branches are often left where they fell. Natural revegetation is slow in areas that were heavily infested. In this project, we propose to address concerns raised by the community about aesthetics, accessibility and shelter for wildlife by actively restoring approximately three stream miles at sites that are highly visible and accessible to the public. These will be places where we will demonstrate new approaches to this work to the community in order to catalyze the restoration of the remaining river corridor. We will apply a proven combination of mechanical and chemical treatments to control the invasive trees (and in an effort to reduce waste and carbon emissions, we will make the wood available to a local furniture maker who will turn it into high end furniture and art). There are native cottonwoods and willows persisting at these sites and elsewhere on the lower Shoshone, and we expect them to expand into the available space after the invasives are removed. Cottonwoods, however, are shade-intolerant, disturbance-dependent species with relatively specific germination and establishment requirements that are not well met on a regulated river system such as the Shoshone (Shafroth et al. 1995). Natural revegetation of cottonwoods and willows will be supplemented with the planting of several native shrub species better adapted to hotter, drier conditions predicted on the lower river, including silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), skunkbrush sumac (Rhus trilobata), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and others. Historically, this riparian area was likely dominated by willow and cottonwood, but using a wider range of species for revegetation will provide wildlife food sources for more months of the year and reduce the vulnerability of this habitat to extreme weather events predicted as climate changes. Crews from Marathon Oil Company, Montana Conservation Corps, Wyoming Department of Corrections’ Honor Farm, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and National Wild Turkey Federation will assist with these efforts. We plan to create a technical note for free public distribution that will compare various approaches to riparian revegetation in the arid west. Scientists from Northwest College and the University of Wyoming will conduct surveys to determine the impacts of this revegetation work on native wildlife. Survey results will be incorporated into project outreach materials. 3 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form 2. Activities & Timeline Initial mechanical and chemical treatments of invasives will occur between October and December 2014. Intensive treatment of re-sprouts will occur in August of 2015 and 2016. Revegetation and other riparian enhancements will occur in the fall of 2016 after large scale chemical re-treatments are no longer necessary and re-sprouts can be treated with spot treatments. In 2014, project partners and other interested conservation practitioners will participate in a communications workshop taught by a communications specialist from the University of Wyoming. At this workshop, we will develop key messages and formulate a communications strategy that will be executed over the following two years of the project. We will create outreach materials that address the concerns of various Wyoming audiences (farmers and ranchers, sportsmen, small acreage owners, etc.) that could include permanent interpretive signs & displays, technical notes, brochures, fact sheets, PSAs, and an informational video. In late August of each year, the Cody Wild West River Fest raises awareness of the important roles healthy rivers play in our communities. At upcoming river festivals, we will promote the ongoing riparian restoration work described herein, by leading interpretive hikes and field tours, and distributing outreach materials. 3. Outcomes Deliverables under the term of this grant [maximum 2 years] Remove noxious Russian olive and salt cedar trees on 400 acres of riparian habitat along the Shoshone River at 3 public access sites. Revegetate the sites with a mix of native plants adapted to hotter, drier conditions. Conduct wildlife surveys to determine impacts of riparian restoration. Test different planting methods (pole cuttings, bare root and potted plants). Execute a communications strategy designed to educate different interest groups about the benefits of this work and the different ways to get involved. Expected near-term conservation outcomes [3-10 years] A diverse, drought-tolerant, native plant assemblage is established on 400 acres along the Shoshone River. Restored areas are providing high quality forage and nesting habitat for native wildlife year-round. The improvement of riparian revegetation methods in arid regions is being promoted to landowners and conservation practitioners in the area. We see an increase in numbers of landowners participating in efforts to restore Shoshone River riparian areas to native vegetation adapted to a changing climate. Technical notes and other outreach materials about riparian restoration methods are created and distributed. Expected long-term adaptation goal [10-50 years] Riparian areas on the lower Shoshone support a diverse native flora better adapted to hotter, drier conditions expected as climate changes. Understanding and support of this work has increased in the region, and it is being replicated throughout the Shoshone River system and along other river corridors in the region so that water quality, wildlife habitat quality, and public access are all measurably improved in northwest Wyoming. 4. Key partners Montana Conservation Corps and Wyoming Department of Corrections Honor Farm crews will assist with Russian olive control and site revegetation. Participating Landowners: Buffalo Bill Memorial Association; Bureau of Reclamation, City of Cody; Glenn Nielson; Marathon Oil Company; Mike Johnson; Ron Good. University of Wyoming and Northwest College will assist with wildlife surveys and the design and monitoring of various revegetation treatments to determine the optimal techniques. Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Powell-Clarks Fork Conservation District will provide technical assistance on treatment, monitoring, and project outreach. Details below for: Big Horn and Park County Weed and Pest Districts, City of Cody, Ducks Unlimited, Marathon Oil Company, Pheasants Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. 4 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form SECTION II: Budget and Matching Funds Budget Expenses WCS request Non-WCS funding Staff salary and benefits Katherine Thompson, TNC NW $30,000 WY Program Dir, 20% * 2 yrs Amy Pocewicz, TNC Staff $15,000 Scientist, 10% * 2 yrs Operating Contractors $84,100 $373,900 Supplies $60,000 $60,000 Communications $25,000 Indirect Costs (max 10%) $64,800 $248,900 $463,900 Totals Total Project Budget $30,000 $15,000 $458,000 $120,000 $25,000 $64,800 $712,800 Matching Funds Big Horn County Weed and Pest District in Greybull, WY will contribute $18,150 (40 hours labor at $60/hr for technical assistance + 50% cost-share on chemical for initial and follow-up treatments (at $300/acre) on 105 acres in Big Horn County). Committed. City of Cody will contribute $5,500 toward the weed treatment costs from tax dollars earmarked for pest management on city property ($1,100/acre * 5 acres). Committed. Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and National Wild Turkey Federation will provide volunteer labor and cash contributions totaling at least $20,000. Pending - notification by July. Marathon Oil Company in Cody, Wyoming has committed $100,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to the project, including $74,000 in cash for weed treatments, $20,000 in-kind heavy equipment operation, and $6,000 in volunteer labor. Committed. The Nature Conservancy will contribute $35,000 private dollars (toward Montana Conservation Corps crews) already secured. Received. Park County Weed and Pest District in Powell, WY will contribute $50,250 (100 hours labor at $60/hr for technical assistance + 50% cost-share on chemical for initial and follow-up treatments (at $300/acre) on 295 acres in Park County). Committed. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality will provide funding for the project through the 319 Nonpoint Source Reduction Program ($40,000). Committed. Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund will contribute $195,000 toward weed control and revegetation costs. Pending - notification in July. Citations Anderson, B. W. 1996. Salt cedar, revegetation and riparian ecosystems in the Southwest. Proceedings of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council, Symposium 1995. California Exotic Pest Plant Council: 32–41. Anderson, B. W. 1998. The case for salt cedar. Restoration and Management Notes 16:130–134, 138. Brown, C. R. 1990. Avian use of native and exotic riparian habitats on the Snake River, Idaho. M.A. Thesis. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. Clark, G. 2010. Changes in patterns of streamflow from unregulated watersheds in Idaho, western Wyoming, and northern Nevada. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 46(3): 486-497. DeLay, L., D. M. Finch, S. Brantley, R. Fagerlund, M.D. Means, and J.F. Kelly. 1999. Arthropods of native and exotic vegetation and their association with willow flycatchers and Wilsons warblers. 5 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form Pages 216-221 in D. M. Finch, J. C. Whitney, J. F. Kelly, and S. R. Loftin (tech. coords.). Rio Grande ecosystems: Linking land, water and people. Proceedings RMRS-P-7. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ogden, Utah. Heller, N.E. and E.S. Zavaleta. 2008. Biodiversity management in the face of climate change: A review of 22 years of recommendations. Biological Conservation 142: 14-32. Knopf, F.L & T. E. Olson. 1984. Naturalization of Russian olive: Implications to Rocky Mountain Wildlife. Wildlife Society Bulletin 12:289-298. Leppi, J.C., T.H. DeLuca, S.W. Harrar & S.W. Running. 2012. Impacts of climate change on August stream discharge in the Central-Rocky Mountains. Climatic Change 112: 997-1014. Liesner, D. R. 1971. Phytophagous insects of Tamarix spp. in New Mexico. Master of Science thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Miner, K. L. 1989. Foraging ecology of the Least Bells Vireo, Vireo bellii pusillus. Master of Science thesis, San Diego State University, San Diego, California. Muirhead, R.W., R.P Collins & P.J. Bremer. 2005. Erosion and subsequent transport state of Escherichia coli from cowpats. Applied Environmental Microbiology 71(6):2875-9. Naugle, D.E., K. Higgins & S.M. Nusser. 1999. Effects of woody vegetation on prairie wetland birds. Canadian Field Naturalist 113:487-492. Olson, T. E. & F.L. Knopf. 1986. Naturalization of Russian-olive in the western United States. Western Journal of Applied Forestry 1:65-69. Pocewicz, A., H. Copeland, L. Washkoviak, M. Grenier, & D. Keinath. In draft. Assessing the future vulnerability of Wyoming’s terrestrial habitats and wildlife species. To be published jointly by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department , The Nature Conservancy, and Wyoming Natural Diversity Database at the University of Wyoming. Rice, J.A. Tredennick & L.A. Joyce. 2012. Climate change on the Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming: a synthesis of past climate, climate projections, and ecosystem implications. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-264. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 60 p. Shafroth, P.B., G.T. Auble & M.L. Scott. 1995. Germination and establishment of the native plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marshall subsp. monilifera) and the exotic Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.). Conservation Biology 9(5):1169-1175. Shafroth, P.B. J.R. Cleverly, T.L. Dudley, J.P Taylor, C. Van Riper III, E.P. Weeks & J.N. Stuart. 2005. Control of Tamarix in the Western United States: Implications for Water Salvage, Wildlife Use, and Riparian Restoration. Environmental Management 35(3):231-246. Shuman, B. 2012. Recent Wyoming temperature trends, their drivers, and impacts in a 14,000-year context. Climatic Change 112: 429-447. Stevens, L. E. 1985. Invertebrate herbivore community dynamics on Tamarix chinensis Loueiro and Salix exigua Nuttal in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Master of Science thesis, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. 6 2014 WCS Climate Adaptation Fund Pre-Proposal Application Form Wenger, S.J., D.J. Isaak, C.H. Luce, H.M. Neville, K.D. Fausch, J.B. Dunham, D.C. Dauwalter, M.K. Young, M.M. Elsner, B.E. Rieman, A.F. Hamlet & J.E. Williams. 2011. Flow regime, temperature, and biotic interactions drive differential declines of trout species under climate change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108:14175-14180. West, J. M., S.H. Julius, P. Kareiva, C. Enquist, J.J. Lawler, B. Petersen, A.E. Johnson & M.R. Shaw. 2009. U.S. natural resources and climate change: concepts and approaches for management adaptation. Environmental Management 44:1001-1021. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ). 2012. Wyoming Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2012 Integrated 305(b) and 303(d) Report). Document #12-0203. Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). 2010. Wyoming State Wildlife Action Plan. Cheyenne, Wyoming. 7