FL-PRISM Call for Proposals

2017-2018 Request for Proposals

Full RFP available here

Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL-PRISM) Subcontract

Deadline for receipt of Proposals: March 24, 2017

Any questions regarding this Request for Proposals should be directed to the Finger Lakes PRISM Coordinator: Hilary R. Mosher, mosher@hws.edu, 315-781-4385

2017/2018 Program Objectives:

The FL-PRISM is requesting proposals for subcontract projects under the two categories below that serve to advance the mission and goals of the FL-PRISM in alignment with the FL-PRISM Strategic Plan.

Comprehensive survey for Hydrilla verticillata, a highly invasive species in the region based on NYS plant assessments and the FL-PRISM priority species list;
- The successful project will survey, document, and report Hydrilla in the following high risk locations:
  - Proximity to known infestations,
  - Canals and connecting channels through the Finger Lakes region (e.g., Erie, Seneca-Cayuga),
  - Areas with limited survey or survey capacity

The proposal should document the project’s ability to address multiple species during survey work and conduct data analysis including statistical analysis of survey results.

Create a dynamic phenology of high priority invasive species in the region, recognizing the climatic differences of the 17 counties. Invasive species to be considered will be those that are high priorities for the FL-PRISM AND those on the prohibited and regulated species list (available here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html) within the Finger Lakes region. This project will necessitate establishing or utilizing partner groups to gain information about when the invasive is in flower/present/breeding and where it is located in the region, when it sets seed, senescence, how best to control or dispose, and information about mechanism of spread. An output for the project should include a communication tool such as a weekly email or blog such as the popular ‘Weed of the Week’ (https://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/common-buckthorn.pdf) distributed by the USFS or ‘Weed to Watch’, which would be disseminated across social media or other platforms. A clear linkage to partnerships and how to gather and disseminate the information will be needed for a successful proposal. The project will require working with partners or collecting data from across the region to document the presence of invasive species and a rationale for selection of partners should be described. A well-developed plan for engaging outside groups to gain information will need to be included in the project proposal. This project will need to address aquatic and terrestrial invasive species including insects and fungus such as oak wilt.

Phenology Background

Phenology is the study of seasonal change and timing of organisms in an environment; it is nature’s calendar. For more information on a successful phenology program, see link: https://extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/phenology/. For more information on the National Phenology Network (NPN), click here: https://www.usanpn.org/about/why-phenology. Refer to the scientific approach, protocols, and data sheets available by the NPN (https://www.usanpn.org/about/approach)

USA-NPN Technical Report Series 2012-004: https://www.usanpn.org/files/shared/files/USA-NPN_Phenophase_defs-report_FINAL.pdf

The Phenology Handbook (UCSB): https://ndep.nv.gov/tribe/docs/env_mgr_ref_docs/Climate%20Change/Phenology_Handbook_2nd_ed_Abridged.pdf

Weeds of the Week: https://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/

Weed of the week- Landscape and Nursery IPM Reports (MD): https://www.extension.umd.edu/ipm/weed-week-index

Weed of the Week, Penn State Extension: http://extension.psu.edu/plants/crops/news/2015/06/weed-of-the-week-poison-hemlock