Joshua Tree Conservation Coalition and Monitoring - Augmentation

The Wildlife Conservation Board is extending the Joshua Tree Conservation Coalition and Monitoring Grant for an additional two years to enhance conservation efforts for the western Joshua tree across six California counties: Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino. This augmentation supports the development of strategic conservation plans and documentation to guide the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s broader conservation strategy. A core component of the effort involves expanding the long-term population monitoring network by establishing 100 new monitoring plots on both public and private lands, ensuring comprehensive, range-wide demographic data collection that will inform future species trend analysis and management decisions. The project operates under categorical and emergency exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act, specifically referencing Sections 15306 and 15262, and aligns with relevant provisions of the Public Resources Code. There is no formal contract value, pricing structure, or line-item costing provided, and the instrument is designated as a forecast rather than a traditional procurement vehicle. No federal acquisition regulation clauses, invoice processes, payment offices, or technical specifications are applicable, as this is a state-led conservation grant rather than a federally regulated contract. There is no identified contractor, and responsibilities remain with the Wildlife Conservation Board, with oversight conducted by its Deputy Executive Director, Rebecca Fris. Performance is focused entirely on the western Joshua tree habitat within the specified counties, with no physical deliveries, FOB terms, or packaging requirements involved. The project is administratively supported through CEQA compliance documentation, and while a project tracker ID is assigned, there are no formal solicitation numbers, amendment identifiers, submission deadlines, or standardized proposal formats outlined. Key deliverables include finalized strategic conservation plans and the operationalization of 100 monitoring plots to generate baseline demographic data for long-term ecological assessment.