U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Grant for Niagara River Common Tern Habitat Restoration

This is a Notice of Intent to award in accordance with 505 DM 2, 2.14 B (4), a Cooperative Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Riveredge Associates, LLC for the purpose of restoration activities (common tern habitat enhancement along the Niagara River) within Niagara and Erie Counties, New York. These activities are being carried out pursuant to the �Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Love Canal, 102nd Street and Forest Glen Mobile Home Subdivision Superfund Sites.� This Restoration Plan was prepared by the natural resource trustees: the U.S. Department of Interior, as represented by the Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In developing the Restoration Plan, the Service, representing all trustees, solicited potential restoration projects through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., letters and emails of inquiry to local, state and federal agencies, universities and non-government organizations, website notice). A Draft Restoration Plan was published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2004, presented on the Service website, sent to interested individuals/agencies and noticed in local Buffalo, New York newspapers. Based on comments received, the final Restoration Plan incorporating a range of preferred restoration projects, was prepared. The Final Restoration Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact were issued on July 18, 2005. This Cooperative Agreement will enable Riveredge Associates, LLC to carry out activities, including common tern nesting habitat enhancement, in accordance with the Restoration Plan.

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 location, voluntary support capacity, and technical expertise.

Substantial involvement on the part of the Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded. In particular, the Service will work with Riveredge Associates, LLC to review and approve all project management plans, monitoring plans, interim report, monitoring reports, and the final report. The Service will provide expertise in issues pertaining to the Niagara River, particularly issues related to environmental contaminants and activities in the area that adversely impact common terns. In accordance with 505 DM 2.9 B the Service will be substantially involved.