HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0079) M&C 20-0812City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 10/27/20 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 20-0812
LOG NAME: 80FWNC&R USFWS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
SUBJECT
(CD 7) Authorize Execution of a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Habitat Enhancement Activities of Post Oak
Savannah and Native Grassland Habitats at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge in an Amount Not to Exceed $10,000.00 and Adopt
Appropriation Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the execution of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 in
reimbursement for habitat enhancement activities of post oak savannah and native grassland habitats at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge;
and
2. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund by
$29,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge will work collaboratively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) Partners Program to enhance a
degraded 75-acre post oak savannah site by mulching woody/understory vegetation encroachment. Within a three -to -five year time after mulching,
the site will have a follow-up treatment of herbicide and a prescribed burn by City of Fort Worth staff. These conservation treatments will improve
ground -level cover conditions, provide essential nesting habitats, and enhance the overall plant diversity benefiting numerous migratory and
resident grassland game and nongame bird species, monarch butterflies, and other pollinator species.
The USFW will provide a 35% cost share on a reimburseable bases up to 10,000.00, funding the rental of a land clearing machine and the
purchase of herbicide, along with developing management recommendations, implementation actions, and monitoring strategies for the project.
The City of Fort Worth will provide a 65% cost share for this project consisting of $19,000.00 for in -kind services in the form of operating the
machine rented, applying herbicide, and conducting the prescribed burn. Mulching will be completed within twelve months, herbicide treatment will
be completed within three years of completing mulching and a prescribed burn will be completed within five years of completing mulching.
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 7, but serves the entire city.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the appropriation ordinance, funds will be
available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Park & Recreation Department (and
Financial Management Services) will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to an expenditure being made, the
Park & Recreation Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Valerie Washington 6192
Originating Business Unit Head: Richard Zavala 5704
Additional Information Contact: Kelli Pickard 5461