U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE issued the following announcement on March 29.
Cooperative Agriculture Agreements (CAA) on refuges are awarded through an open and competitive process. Each opportunity is tailored to the conditions at an individual refuge and the needs of the surrounding agricultural community. The Fish and Wildlife Service enters into agreements with farmers and ranchers based on their experience and ability to conduct agricultural business under similar agreements and restrictions. The Fish and Wildlife Service works with farmers and ranchers to ensure that all parties meet their objectives.
CAA TERM:
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is offering, to all eligible and qualified applicants, an opportunity to enter into a CAA to conduct haying and rake-bunch grazing on the Refuge (Princeton, OR). The term of the CAA will be five (5) years; August 10, 2023, through January 31, 2028.
The purpose of the CAA is to assist the Refuge with providing desired habitat conditions for wildlife (specifically, foraging areas for waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds; pairing habitat for waterfowl; nesting habitat for shorebirds; and nesting habitat for certain passerines) and, where possible, to improve biological integrity (native plant diversity) in Refuge plant communities.
APPLICATION:
Applicants must fill out applicable sections of FWS Form 3-1383-C and CAA Supplemental Information addressing the selection criteria. The applicant must identify the meadow units desired by the applicant for either hay only, rake-bunch graze only, or a combination of hay and rake-bunch graze on the Supplemental Information. The FWS Form 3-1383-C and CAA Supplemental Information and supporting documentation (i.e., maps) can be found below. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting Carey Goss at 541-493-2612 or carey_goss@fws.gov.
Application
FWS Form 3-1383-C
Fillable - CAA Supplemental Information (preferred)
CAA Supplemental Information
Supporting Documents
Maps
SUP Special Conditions, Appendix 1
CCP Habitat Objective 4a
Applicants are encouraged to read all the supporting documentation including the SUP Special Conditions and the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) Habitat Objective 4a carefully to determine if you qualify and can meet the terms and conditions of the CAA.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
FWS Form 3-1383-C and CAA Supplemental Information must be received by COB on May 2, 2022, to be considered for the CAA. FWS Form 3-1383-C and CAA Supplemental Information can be submitted by email to carey_goss@fws.gov or submitted by mail or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope marked CAA Application to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, 36391 Sodhouse Lane, Princeton, OR 97721. Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants will be notified by July 1, 2022.
SITE VISITS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Site visits to the haying and rake-bunch grazing units are available upon request. Site visits shall be available Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. To request a site visit or for additional information on this agricultural opportunity contact Carey Goss at 541-493-2612 or carey_goss@fws.gov.
Original source can be found here.
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