MPWMD BOARD MEETING--APR 19, 2004--EXHIBIT 4A--PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL AVIAN MONITORING SERVICES

EXHIBIT 4-A

Ventana Wilderness Society

19045 Portola Drive, Suite F1

Salinas, California 93908

The Carmel River Riparian Corridor

Avian Habitat Monitoring Program

PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL AVIAN MONITORING SERVICES

EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES

This proposal encompasses the four tasks outlined below. Exhibits B and C (attached) detail a work and fee schedule for these tasks.

Task 1: Transect monitoring: SPRING 2004

A biologist from the Big Sur Ornithology Lab will collect and analyze Species Diversity Index (SDI) data along 18 transects at 9 sites in the Carmel River riparian corridor and 2 transects at one site in the Carmel River Lagoon wetlands. The task will require up to 10 field days. For standardization, SDI sampling protocol will follow methodology used in prior (1993-2003) avian monitoring for the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.

Task 2: Transect monitoring: FALL 2004

Task 3: 2004 ANNUAL REPORT

A biologist from the Big Sur Ornithology Lab will prepare an annual monitoring report for the 2004 field season using data collected during spring 2004 and fall 2004. The report shall use a format similar to that used in prior 1993-2003 annual reports. The report will present and summarize findings from each sampling period at each site. Data shall be analyzed using Shannon-Weaver SDI methodology; trends in SDI values will be identified and evaluated. The report will also include a detailed description of each transect site, with each site keyed to aerial habitat photos.

Task 4: Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS): SUMMER 2004

An experienced team of biologists from the Big Sur Ornithology Lab will assess demographics of avian communities at 4 key sites in the Carmel River riparian corridor. The 4 sites will correspond to 4 of the 9 transect sites monitored during spring and fall (see Tasks 1 & 2 above). Sampling protocol will consist of mist-netting and banding as well as area searches on all four sites. Mist-net locations and area search plots will remain standardized following the study design in 2003. Operating MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) stations in conjunction with conducting area searches provides: (a) annual indices of adult population size and post-fledgling productivity; and (b) annual estimates of adult survival rate, adult population size, proportion of residents in the adult population, and recruitment into the adult population (Desante et al. 2000), in addition to determining bird/habitat relationships over time. A report will be submitted that includes data analysis using Shannon-Weaver SDI methodology; trends in SDI values will be identified and evaluated; and comparisons with data collected from 2000, 2002, and 2003 will be made when appropriate.

EXHIBIT B: FEE SCHEDULE

Task 1-3: Tasks 1 through 3 will be performed at a rate of $633 per task. No additional fees for accommodation or other per diem expenses will be billed. The total amount will not exceed $633 per task.

Task 4: The total amount for task 4 will not exceed $13,700 including work conducted at 4 sites, the annual report, all personnel, mileage, and costs incurred for specialized equipment.

EXHIBIT C: WORK SCHEDULE

Task 1: The completion goal for SPRING 2004 monitoring is June 2004. This is in accordance with monitoring dates in previous years. Monitoring will not begin prior to 10 May, to ensure the arrival of most breeding birds that are migratory.

Task 2: The completion goal for FALL 2004 monitoring is October 2004. Monitoring will occur during 21 September – 14 October. These dates were modified, in comparison to previous years, to reflect fall peak migration timing in the region.

Task 3: The completion goal for the 2004 annual report is December 2004.

Task 4: The completion goal for the 2004 MAPS monitoring and the Final Report of MAPS results is December 2004. Monitoring will span 1 May – 8 August to standardize with national protocols.

U:\staff\word\boardpacket\2004\2004boardpacket\20040419\ConsentCal\04\item4_exh4a.doc