Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Offering Grant for Wildfire Rehabilitation and Habitat Restoration

Eligible applicants are limited to Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited (DU) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation that specializes in large scale habitat restoration in numerous types of riparian ecosystems. DU has an extensive background and long standing tradition in working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in habitat restoration, scientific planning, project implementation and management. Additionally, DU is capable of developing site-specific (engineered) project designs based upon local conditions, soil properties, plant associations, hydrology, project objectives, habitat requirements of target species, and management practices. The principal purpose of this agreement is to restore native habitat within the historic floodplain of the Lower Colorado River. All restoration efforts will occur on Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Restored sites will mimic historic cottonwood-willow gallery forests, supplement available habitat for threatened and endangered species, and reduce invasive exotic plant distribution on the Refuge. An array of resident and migratory species will also benefit from restored habitats. In addition, restored sites will create wildlife corridors and facilitate recolonization of native fauna in previously restored sites. Further, establishment of native vegetation will increase aesthetic values, decrease soil erosion, and prevent colonization by invasive species. The primary goal of DU will be to assist the Refuge in rehabilitation efforts associated with wildfire damaged areas and will include water delivery systems, site preparation, soil remediation, and tree planting.