U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grant to Restore Yellowfin Madtom and Slender Chub Populations in the Powell River Watershed

DESCRIPTION: This is a Notice of Intent to award a Grant Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Conservation Fisheries, Incorporated located in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the purpose of restoring the injured yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis) and slender chub (Erimystax cahni) populations within the Powell River Watershed. Conservation Fisheries Incorporated is uniquely qualified to accomplish the tasks outlined in the Grant Agreement. CFI is located near the Powell River in Knoxville, Tennessee and is the only qualified entity capable of cost-effectively conducting propagation, release and monitoring of yellowfin madtoms and slender chubs in the Powell River. Staff at CFI are uniquely qualified to accomplish this work because they have extensive experience and knowledge of endangered fish propagation, life history, habitat requirements and monitoring protocols. Furthermore, CFI has a history of working cooperatively with state and federal agencies on endangered fish restoration projects. CFI staff have positive working relationships with state and federal natural resource agency personnel at Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Service. Such relationships are essential to facilitate the timely coordination of the project.

This Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior Policy 505 DM 2.14 B(4), which allows for award without competition to an applicant who is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based on, technical expertise.

Substantial involvement on the part of the USFWS is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. In particular, the USFWS will work closely with the Recipient to ensure that implementation of the data analysis is consistent with the terms of the Scope of Work; participate in relevant meetings and conservation planning actions; and review and provide comments on interim and final reports. In accordance with 505 DM 2.9 B the Service will be substantially involved.