Department of Defense Grant: Support for Research and Monitoring of Endangered Species at Fort Hood, Texas

Background: This procurement represents an opportunity to enter into a cooperative agreement for research and monitoring of endangered migratory bird species and at-risk pollinators at Fort Hood, Texas. Fort Hood is home to large numbers of federally endangered species, delisted species, and numerous at risk migratory bird species. Work under this proposal will provide research support to determine distribution, abundance and demographic information for endangered and at-risk migratory bird species that reside at Fort Hood.

Many of the land bases where US Army installations reside are ecologically significant – providing refuge for a large number of the nation’s threatened and endangered plants and animals. The benefits of biodiversity to the public and the environment have long been recognized and the Army’s role as land managers can influence the floral and faunal diversity both within the installation and on nearby lands. To fulfill long-term mission requirements, the military must achieve environmental objectives of sustainability of training lands and full compliance with conservation requirements under law. The Army is committed to maintaining its role as a national leader in the conservation and management of sensitive natural resources on Army lands. 

Fort Hood currently supports the heaviest Army training activity as the only installation providing training facilities for the equivalent of two mechanized divisions as well as support units. Within this military context, Fort Hood is also home to large numbers of a federally endangered bird species (golden-cheeked warbler), a recently delisted species (black-capped vireo), numerous migratory bird species, sensitive karst species, and at-risk plant pollinators. Fort Hood must balance military training requirements with species conservation requirements imposed by the Sikes Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Work under this proposal will provide logistical and research support to 1) summarize and analyze previously collected data to determine distribution, abundance and population status of endangered and migratory bird species, 2) monitor demographic parameters for golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos, 3) survey and monitor migratory bird species, 4) survey and monitor at-risk pollinator species, 5) survey and manage for invasive feral hogs, 6) monitor for pathogens associated with sensitive karst species and 7) support natural resources outreach activities at Fort Hood, Texas.

The objective is to conduct surveys and demographic monitoring of at-risk migratory bird, pollinator and invasive species to track population distribution. GIS data, photos, and maps will be submitted as final products. Technical Support will be provided for research and monitoring of endangered and at-risk species at Fort Hood Texas.