National Park Service – Youth Interns for Exotic Plant Management and Restoration at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Funding Opportunity Number: FY2014-CUVA-YEPI-0001
Park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, Ohio 44141
Project title: 2014 Youth Interns – Exotic Plant Management and Restoration
Proposed Project Date: mid-May – mid November (about 6 months – exact dates to be determined)
Estimated funding available: $25,000
Number of Positions Available: 2 (two internships available)

Summary:
Interns in these two (2) positions will manage invasive plants and restore native vegetation primarily at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) but also will complete short-term details/assignments at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, OH; Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, IN; and/or Big Flats Plant Material Center in Corning, NY. Interns will use mechanical and chemical treatments to manage infestations of target species of non-native, invasive plants in multiple areas of the parks, including natural areas, cultural landscapes and high-visibility sites with high-visitor use. Interns also will assist with habitat restoration, including collecting native seeds and cuttings; propagating native plants; preparing sites for planting; and planting native vegetation at restoration sites.

Background:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River between the cities of Cleveland and Akron in northeast Ohio. CVNP’s mission is to preserve and protect the historic, scenic, natural, and recreational values of the Cuyahoga River Valley for public use and enjoyment. The park is dominated by deciduous forest but also supports meadows, wetlands, streams and farmland. Summers are moderately warm with average temperatures in the 70’s. Winters are moderately cold with average temperatures in the 20’s and 30’s. Heavy snowfall is common during winter months. Excellent recreational and educational opportunities are available in the area, including hiking and biking trails, numerous restaurants and theaters, nearby shopping, and a variety of universities and colleges. Park housing is provided, which consists of an assigned private room in shared quarters with shared common space. Park housing cannot accommodate family members or pets.

Possible Projects and Work Activities for 2014:
• Manage invasive plants at CVNP and other NPS sites, primarily using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Work with volunteers and volunteer crews to manage invasive plants and re-introduce appropriate vegetation to disturbed sites.
• Collect and work with volunteers to collect and clean native seeds and deliver them to the Big Flats Plant Material Center in Corning, NY.
• Propagate and maintain native plants at CVNP’s native-plant nursery.
• Use GIS and GPS technology to map and identify work areas.
• Assist with other projects as available, potentially including butterfly surveys, coyote surveys, deer surveys and vegetation monitoring.

Work is performed primarily outdoors, although some inside work also will be required. Infrequent work on weekends also may be required at times, particular when assisting large volunteer events.

Skills desired:
• Knowledge of plant identification
• Knowledge of and ability to control exotic plants using manual, mechanical, chemical and biological techniques
• Knowledge of plant-propagation techniques
• Ability to use computer software programs and equipment to record, manage and present data
• Ability to lead, coordinate and work with others

Educational background desired:
• Botany/Vegetation Ecology – some coursework or experience
• Natural History – some coursework or experience
• GPS/GIS Training – some coursework or experience

Materials Requested for Statement of Information/Qualifications:
Interested organizations should submit a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. Include a bid in addition to the Statement of Information. The Statement of Information and bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to catherine_schroeder@nps and julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Wednesday, March 5, 2014, as well as any questions you may have concerning the project.
Note: This Request for Information seeks responses from organizations qualified to provide individual and/or crews of youth and young adults for internship opportunities with the National Park Service that provide environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities through conservation, natural resource management, and emergency response work. Individuals interested in serving as an intern or crew member should contact the park directly. For general information on Youth Program opportunities visit: http://www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/youthprograms/index.htm.