Common use of Biological Monitoring Clause in Contracts

Biological Monitoring. Prior to completing a Cooperative Agreement and Certificate of Inclusion for any enrolled property, NDOW, in cooperation with the private landowner and the Service, will complete a detailed biological assessment of that property to determine baseline conditions in cooperation with the Service and the private landowner. The biological assessment of the given property will determine baseline conditions which will include but is not limited to an evaluation of aquatic habitat quality and suitability, a characterization of species present including non-native species, if any, and a determination of management actions being practiced, and the conservation measures needed. Management practices and conservation measures will be incorporated into the subsequent Cooperative Agreement. Prior to NDOW assuming sole responsibility for the biological assessments, the Service will collaborate with NDOW for a minimum of the first five Cooperative Agreements. After this collaboration period between the two Parties ends, NDOW will submit their biological assessment with the Cooperative Agreement to the Service for our concurrence unless a unique situation arises that requires involvement from both Parties. Following the placement of LCT on enrolled lands or when LCT are otherwise known to be present, NDOW, the Service, and/or the NWDPS team will monitor LCT by visiting occupied enrolled lands at least annually to ascertain LCT presence, monitor aquatic habitat quality, and to evaluate the efficacy of current management activities.