BLM CESU Desert Southwest Grassland Restoration Program Evaluation Grant

1. The principal purpose of the proposed project is to work with BLM and other partners in the Cienega watershed to evaluate the effectiveness of the grassland restoration program in meeting treatment and restoration objectives using an adaptive management approach.

2. The Objectives of this agreement are to;

a. Evaluate efforts to restore native plants and animals associated with the grassland ecosystem on Las Cienegas National Conservation Area by monitoring the density and success of nesting birds in areas treated to reduce invading shrubs with fire and mechanical methods.

b. Determine vegetation characteristics most important to habitat and nesting success of breeding grassland birds that will serve to improve future restoration efforts.

c. Inform how best to time future restoration treatments to minimize adverse effects on nesting birds.

d. Contribute to an ongoing, longer-term effort to determine status and trends for at-risk grassland birds.
Work collaboratively with the BLM and partners to develop strategies to manage LCNCA adaptively.