Email Yoshioka Jlancano Jaguamaccia Site 6-2-2009

8/9/2019 Email Yoshioka Jlancano Jaguamaccia Site 6-2-2009

1/23

BeverlyYoshioka/R4/FWS/DOI

06/02/2009 03: 13 PM

Saludos julio and John,

To jlazcano jaguarnaccia

cc Carlos Pacheco/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS, Omar

Monsegur/R4/FWS/DOI@FWSbcc Edwin Muniz/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS; Carlos

Diaz/R4/FWS/DOI@FWSSubject Punta Flamenco project

Julio, thank you for taking so much time during visiting the project in Culebra. I wanted to follow up withyou on the project, and noticed (too late) that the copy of the agreement I gave to you only had the odd

pages. Checking my file copy of the final signed agreement--it also only had the odd pages. The copyoriginally sent to Mr. Gonzalez for signing was apparently complete and essentially the same as the one Ihad coordinated with John Guarnaccia prior to sending the package to Atlanta. What apparentlyhappened is that they had a two-sided copy and only originally scanned one side. I contacted ourContracting and General Services office and obtained a complete scanned copy (attached).

There is a section on reporting and delivery requirements on page 8--which was not in the copy I gave toyou in Culebra. Therefore, I'm attaching the complete agreement for you. That agreement was alsoaccompanied by the original proposal John Guarnaccia provided to me, and I'm attaching it here as well,in case you don't have it. The reporting section asks for interim reports every six months. I'm notconcerned about that, particularly since that page may not Ilave been in the copy you received. I wouldappreciate a short report (it can be jus t a few pages) summarizing the accomplishments to date. It shouldinclude a revised calendar of activities (from your original proposal, Section IV. Performance Period forRestoration Project) to reflect new time frames. The performance period for the cooperative agreementruns through December 2009. As a suggestion, you might want to address the items below--each withseveral sentences.

Based on the site visit, I have the following observations (PLEASE correct any you think are incorrect orshould be modified):1) The temporary nursery (task 1) has not yet been established, although I understand that some treesare being propagated at the Fundaci6n. My understanding is that this is because some permissions to setup a larger project on the property have not yet been obtatined, and a nursery cannot be maintainedwithout water.

16


2/23

l i i i d li il h d i d ( k i hi i L _ ~ ~ I I f " \ \ NuO W I l l i

Peperomia or Leptocereus were found in the areas examined on the property, but the basic habitat typeand plant associations seen in conjunction with these species was seen in the boulder forest sites. Someof the more open boulder forest sites could be improved through planting trees typical of these sites suchas almacigo and adding some humus and course leaf material to the boulder areas. I will requestadditional enrichment species possibilities from Omar in the near future. They were also impressed bysome of the other somewhat rare species you pointed out during the visit.9) Rehabilitate pond to collect rainwater for irrigation. The pond rehabilitation was carried out as planned,including leaving some of the uphill scrub forest margin intact. It apparently is not retaining water,probably due to the high percolation through the reconstructed downhill berm. We understand that thepond may be lined with cement to retain water. This will reduce wildlife benefits of the pond, but shouldassist in retaining irrigation water.

10) Develop irrigation system to deliver rainwater to strategic places. Our understanding is that this is notyet done due to the delays on the pond and nursery.11) Monitor/evaluate project. We understand that this is ongoing.

Could you please review these items and add whatever comments you wish. Given the various delays tosome elements in the project, it may eventually require a modification to extend the time period of theproject. We understand that dry forest restoraiton is a difficult process. The agreement does not have tobe extended at this time, but we suggest that you reevaluate it within the next three months to decide if anextension is needed. A no-cost modification is a simple process, providing there is reason for theextension (generally an explanatory letter from the cooperator requesting an extension), and areevaluation of the time lines of the various project elements.

We also appreciated the tour of the beach restoration area. The one almacigo tree damaged during theremoval of a larger Acacia appears to be resprouting, other incidental damage appears minimal, and theinitial vegetation line along the beach appears to be largely intact following the acacia removal activities.

Although not part of the project, we were a little concerned that the boulder forest area along the propertyline had been cleared, resulting in stress to the underlying vegetation and reducing that habitat quality.We recommend that almacigo and other suitable tree seedlings be planted to recover some of the shade.

Perhaps resprouting trees could be trimmed of lower branches, allowing for the development of a highercanopy. with a clear line beneath in the future.

The agreement indicated that approximately half of the Federal funds for the project would be requested inth fi t t d d t di g th t thi ld b l g l t t th ti iti


3/23

I.

r

AGREEMENT NO.: 401818J565CHARGE CODE: 41430-1124-0000 W5 (FY08)

AMOUNT: $7,500.00DUNS NO: 161035931

FAADS: 72-76740-San Juan 069-Huacao-00930-98-07/01/2008-12/31/2009-to implement thePunta Flamenco Forest Restoration-22

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

Between

u.s. DEPARTMENT OF 'l'.HE IN'T'ERI()HFISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

And

PUERTO RICO LAND AND FRUIT

COOPERA T N E AGREEMENT RECIPIENT:

Puerto Rico Land and FruitMr. Victor L. GonzalezCalle Granada 2429

-AcCEPT.ED

SfP 10 20081San Juan, Puerto Rico 00913

. ~ ~ - ~ . ~ , . E S.- ~ecipient Class: Private, For Profit

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 15 630


4/23

native tree specit:s, inc luding some that have become rarc or that were previously reportedii-olll the area and locally extirpated and the federally listed cobana negra tree (StahlillmOllOSpl'rllla)_ Th e recipient also intends to develop or enhance populations o f thefederally listed plant, Peperomia wheelert), providing that suitable habitat is found andverified by Service biologists. A small fann pond will be restored, mostly to provide asource orirrigation water, bu t will also provide some habitat functions. Th e project willprovide habitat for a variety o f migratory and resident songbird species, improve nestinghabitat for the federally listed hawksbill se a turtle, potentially develop another populationo f a federally listed plant species endemic to Culebra (Peperomia ,"heeleri), expand thepopulations of the federally listed cobana negra (Stalzlia mOllosperma), and improve dryforest habitat adjacent to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The project is a

..C ' ) o p t ; l a ! c i - V . e . a g r e e m e f i t t h f l t w i l - J . : : : . t ~ ~ ~ J @ j y J J i ~ i l t l l $ s . i s : t a n c e ~ ------c 6 o r ( f i n a f o i ~ - - m l ( r o t l l e - ; : -Ecological Services staff as needed and as their time permits.

The property includes potential habitat for several federally listed reptiles. Th e project isexpected to improve this habitat, bu t there will be some initial disturbance in the exotictree removal phase. This is being limited by precluding the use of mechanized land

clearing equipment in potentially sensitive areas. Additiona lly, the work crews will bemade aware o f the potential for these species, and will avoid working in the immediatearea i f they are sighted. An y sightings of these species will be reported to the Service.Additional infon-nation is provided in the Intra-Service Section 7 Biological EvaluationFoml.

IV. BACKGROUND:

Culebra was a small agrarian an d fishing community. In the early part o f the 1900s,much of the island was deforested to provide cattle pasture. Subsequently, parts ofCulebra and its associated cays were used as bombing and military exercise practice sites


5/23

native trce spccil!s, including some that have become rarc or that were previously reportedfi'olll the area an d locally extirpated and the federally listed cabana negra tree (S/ahlia1Il0110SPUnJW) , Th e recipient also intends to develop or enhance populations o f thefederally listed plant, Peperomia wheeleri), providing that suitable habitat is found andverified by Service biologists. A small fann pond will be restored, mostly to provide asource of irrigation water, bu t will also provide some habitat functions. Th e project wi II

provide habitat for a variety o f migratory and resident songbird species, improve nestinghabitat for the federally listed hawksbill se a turtle, potentially develop another population

of a federally listed plant species endemic to Culebra (Peperomia tvlteeleri), expand thepopUlations of the federally listed cabana negra (Stahlia monosperma), and improve dryforest habitat adjacent to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The project is a' ; : \ J o p ~ n ~ i i ~ . l J g r e ~ m . e f l t t h a t w i l l - i l W l u d e J ~ t v J i . c ~ t a s s i ' S : t a n c e ; f r 6 f l j I h e : , C { : l ~ s f a r p r o g r a m

...c o o r ( r i r ; a r o i ~ - - a n ( C o t l i e - ; : -E c o l o g i ~ ~ T S ~ ~ i ~ c s staff as needed an d as their time permits.

Th e property includes potential habitat for several federally listed reptiles. Th e project isexpected to improve this habitat, bu t there will be some initial disturbance in the exotictree removal phase. This is being limited by precluding the use o f mechanized landclearing equipment in potentially sensitive areas. Additionally, the work crews will bemade aware o f the potential for these species, and will avoid working in the immediatearea if they are sighted. An y sightings o f these species will be reported to th e Service.Additional information is provided in the Intra-Service Section 7 Biological EvaluationFoml.

IV. BACKGROUND:

Culebra wa s a small agrarian and fishing community. In the early part of the 1900s:much of th e island was deforested to provide cattle pasture. Subsequently, parts o fCulebra and its associated cays were used as bombing an d military exercise practice sites


6/23

native trees and other plant species have been extirpated from the island, or have suchlimited distributions there, that they are unlikely to recolonize their ranges unlessreintroduced by man.

Tlus project will take the first steps toward restoring the native forest ecosystem in aprivate property adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Culebra. The propertyis a fan11 of approximately 109 acres that consists of dry forest dominated by exoticgrasses, trees, and bushes (Figure 1). Within the defined project areas specific invasiveexotic plants will be removed, and the areas will be reforested with native tree species.

Most of the project consists of reforesting the margins of identified existing roads withinthe property with native tree species. Other areas for exotic removal and forest standimprOvBmen!inc!u(k: tilt; ar(';;f;thGtWI,:t!H a ! ~ { ; ; t : n t l ybuilt S ( f ~ l ~ pn:md and tn,:, main


7/23

Tree species considered undesirable that would be removed include Prosopisjulifloraand Acacia {or(uosa. A complete list of the native trce species that would be included inthe reforestation arc included in the attached proposal from the recipient. Tree removalwould bc done utilizing hand tools, including chain saws, and Round Up herbicide mightbe used in careful wiped on application to cut stumps to prevent re-sprouting.Mechanized land clearing will not be used, with the possible exception of the use of somelarge machinery to clear out the faml pond. The pond is a man-made fann pond with noperennial flow in or out of the pond, and should be considered to be a non-jurisdictional,isolated wetl and for Clean Water Act purposes. The applicant will verify this with theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tht: projt!ct inciu{ie':t partnership Uu'vugh the applicant with tl1(-(Parquc Dona tnes at Fundaci6n Luis Munoz Marin) who will be providing some of thetree seedlings and technical assistance from their staff. PRDNER will be providingtechnical assistance as well.


8/23

V. SCOPE OF EI.,FORT:

A. The following are components or activities of the project:1. Th e margins of road segments (identified below and in Figure 2) will be cleanedof approximately 400 undesirable tree an d bush species for 5 meters to either sideusing hand tools and chain saws, as identified in the proposal, and be replantedwith about 80 0 desirable native tree species as detemlined by the recipient. Asmall tractor with backhoe or auger ma y be used in the planting. The roadsegments total about 2,209 linear meters and are:a. From the entrance booth to the helipad (1,160 m)b. From road (a) to the gate of the NW R (129 m)

, . , . .c. .. R o 4 . d J o , J h e p o n d . ( 9 5 : : m J ~ ..... ". . . ..~ ,... , . . ........... .

. . . - ....... __ . -- . . . . . . --a.Road t O t h e c o h i i r i i . i i 1 I t ~ t i ( ) l f t o w e r ' r 5 7 5 m r ' ~ ' ..... .. . - - .- .... ~ . . . . .... -- . .e. Steep road recently stabilized with concrete (70 m). Additional area between

the existing entrance road and the very steep road will be treated similarly.f. Additional area near the helipad will receive similar treatment.

2. Th e area identified in the proposal as the Se a Grape belt. This is a strip ofvegetation behind the Zona Maritima Tenestre on the identified beach strip (fromthe pier north to the proper ty boundary). All clearing and planting will be doneby hand.a. Exotic tree removal is limited in this site to about' 30 mesquite and acacia, and

will be conducted using hand tools an d chain saws.b. About 60 native trees suitable for the site as identified in the proposal will be

planted in the area.3. Former fuel depot:

a. Part of the area will eventually be used as a tree nursery.

b. Approximately 30 native trees will be planted in the area.4. Farm pond restoration and reforestation:

a. Th e farm pond will be cleared of invasive exotic vegetation. This mayinvolve some mechanized sediment removal specif ically for this element.


9/23

C. The recipient will provide or conduct the following:

I. Cost-share that includes oversight and labor to perfonn the 5 activities in SectionV.A. Scope of Work. Timing will follow, as closely as possible, the timetablelaid out in the recipient's proposal.

2. Interim and final reports as specified in Section XII. Reporting/DeliveryRequirements.

3. The final financial repoli will include a final evaluation of cost-share for theproject.

VI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

- ~ - - ~ - ~ - - = - - : : = ' - - ~ ~ - ~ - - ~ ~ ~ - - ~ T h e i r ~ ; i ~ ; : d ~ o i p C e ~ f b t , r i ~ ~ - ; i ~ - 6 n l l E r a g r E e mfrom July t, 2008 l h r ; ~ g h D ~ ~ e m b e r31,2009.

VII. AWARD AMOUNT:

A.TOTAL (NOT-TO-EXCEED) AWARD AMOUNT: $7,500.00.B. TOTAL AMOUNT FUNDED TO DATE: $7,500.00.

C. FUNDING INCREMENTS: The Recipient is advised that the Serv ice 's obligationto provide funding for funding increments included in this agreement is contingentupon (i ) satisfactory perfonnance and Oi) the availability of funds. Accordingly, nolegal liability on the part of the Recipient exists unless or until funds are madeavailable to the Recipient and notice of such availability is confinned in writing tothe Recipient.

vrn. APPROPRIATION DATA:

APPROPRIA TlON: 41430-1124-0000 W5 $7,500.00 (FY08)


10/23

approval. the Servic e Project Officer shall fOlward the payment request and one copyto the Budget, Planning and Financial Services Officer for processing.

C. Should the Recipient be unab le to complete the provisions of this agreement, allmonies provided by the Service which prove to be cancelable obligations orunallowable costs in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)Subpart 31.2 or the approved budget, shall be refunded to the Service.

D. This agreement is intended to support a particular project for a specific period oftime. Any portion of funds advanced to the Recipient that are not expended at thecompletion ofthe period of performance of this agreement shall be returned to theS ( ~ r v i c t )aiong with any i n t e n ~ s tearned on that amount

X. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:

The Administrative Officer for this agreement is:

Janice McNeillJamison Professi onal Services ContractorU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service1875 Century Boulevard, Room 310Atlanta, Georgia 30345Phone: (404) 679-4056Fax: (404) 679-4057Email: [email protected]

XI. PROJECT OFFICERS:

A Beverly Yoshioka


11/23

.\11. J ~ E P O R T I N G / D E U V E R YREQUIREMENTS:

A. Interim Reports: Interim reports will be submitted every 6 months to the ServiceProject Officer identified in Article XI.A. of this agreement, starting from the datethis agreement is executed. At a minimum, interim reports should include: projectprogress to date; information on deviations from the scope of work contained in thisagreement; plans for the upcoming 6 months; digital photographs of projectactivities (with text descriptions), maps containing pertinent information; summaryof any data related to the project collected to date; and copies of any publishedjournal articles resulting from the funded project. When due dates for interimreports coincide with other deliverables, a report is still required. Th e agreement/lumber should be on ali I'cpOl1;; and IHoit;{',j correspondence.

B. Final Report: Within 90 calendar days after the agreement completion date asdefined in the agreement or in the most current modification, the Recipient ProjectOfficer shall submit a final report to the Service Project Officer identified in ArticleXI.A, ofth1s agreement. A copy of the final report shall also be forwarded to the

Service Administrative Officer.

C. Final Financial Status Report: Within 90 days after completion ofthjs award, theRecipient shall submit to the Service Administrative Officer a final Financial StatusReport (Standard Form 269).

xm. TERMS AN D CONDITIONS:

The Department of the Interior regulations governing assistance agreements withcommercial enterprises for profit organizations at subparts A, D ~ Fof 43 CFR Part 12,Administrative and Audit Requirements and Cost Principles for Assistance Progranls,(plus relevant circulars of the Office of Management and Budget as referenced in these


12/23

B.The Recipient is responsible for obtaining any necessary pennission from privateproperty owners to complete the proposed work.

C. The Recipient remains obligated to all other applicable Federal, State, and localstatutes, ordinances, and pennitting requirements.

D. The Service will be acknowledged, as a contributing partner, on any signageinstalled regarding the project. Any pUblications or presentations produced as aresult of this project will also acknowledge the Service.

E. The Service's liability will be go vemed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.c............ - .'. . .. -...... . .. c . 2 7 6 1 . e t s ~ . ) . . T h e . . e ~ ~ f . ~ U ~ _ ~ ~ i l ' i ~ r ~ l i l l : ~ i l j t y ~ s . b ! I I L ~ ..... --- .

. - ..... - .. _.... . .. -- .-- . _ .. - - - - - of the Comil10nwealth 0 f Puerto Rico.

F. Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are encouraged toadopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use and policies and programs for theiremployees when operating company-owned. rented, or personally-owned vehicles.

These me asures include, but are not limited to, conducting education, awareness,and other appropriate programs for their employees about the imp@rtance of wearingseat belts and t he consequences of no t wearing them. '

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Cooperative Agreement to beexecuted as of the date therein written.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TH E INTERlOR: : H : z r ~ R V I C E


13/23

OMB APPROVAL NO. PAGE OF

~ 0348-0004 I PAGESREQUEST FOR ADVANCEa. "X" one or both boxes 2. BASIS OF REQUEST

OR REIMBURSEMENT 1. o ADVANCE 0 REIMBURSE-TYPE OF

MENT oCASHPAYMENT b. ' ~ ' < "the applicable box

(See instructions on back) REQUESTED o FINAL o PARTIAL o ACCRUAL3. FEDERAL SPONSORING AGENCY AND ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENT TO 4. FEDERAL GRANT OR OTHER 5. PARTIAL PAYMENT REQUEST

WHICH THIS REPORT IS SUBMITIED IDENTIFYING NUMBER ASSIGNED NUMBER FOR TI-IIS REQUEST

BY FEDERAL AGENCY

6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION 7. RECIPIENT'S ACCOUNT NUMBER 8. PERIOD COVERED BY THIS REQUEST

NUMBER OR IDENTIFYING NUMBER FROM (moll/h, day, yeal! TO (moll/h, day, yeal!

9. RECIPIENT ORGANIZATION 10. PAYEE (Wllere elleek is to be sent if different tflan item 9)

Name: Name:

Number Numberand Street: and Street:

City, State City, Stateand ZIP Code: and ZIP Code:

11 COMPUTATION OF AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENTS/ADVANCES REQUESTED

(a) (b) (c)PROGRAMS/FUNCTIONS/ACTIVITIES IIJIoo-

TOTAL

a. Total program (As of dale) $ $ $ $ 0.00outlays to date

b. Less:C u m u l a t i v e ~ o g r a m

income0.00

c. Net program outlays (Line a minus0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00line b)

d. Estimated net cash outlays for advance 0.00period


14/23

CERTIFICATION

,0 the best of my"d belief the data on the

,d correct and that all outlays,nade in accordance with the

~ n t conditions or other agreementand that payment is due and has notbeen previously requested.

This space for agency use

SIGNATURE OR AUTHORIZED CERTIFYING OFFICIAL

TYPED OR PRINTED NAME AND TITLE

DATE REQUESTSUBMITIED

October 16, 2009

TELEPHONE (AREACODE, NUMBER,EXTENSION)

PLlblic reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 60 minutes perresponse, including time for reviewing instrUctions, searching existing data sources, gathering andmaintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Sendcomments regarding the bLlrden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,

including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, PaperworkReduction Project (0348-0004), Washington, DC 20503.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENTAND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY.

INSTRUCTIONS

Please type or print legibly. Items 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11 e, 11 f, 11 g, 11 i, 12 and 13 are self-explanatory; specificinstructions for other items are as follows:

Item Entry

2 Indicate whether request is prepared on cash or accruedexpenditure basis. All requests for advances shall beprepared on a cash basis.

4 Enter the Federal grant number, or other identifyingnumber assigned by the Federal sponsoring agency. Ifthe advance or reimbursement is for more than one grantor other agreement, insert N/A; then, show the aggregateamounts. On a separate sheet, list each grant oragreement number and the Federal share of outlaysmade against the grant or agreement.

6 Enter the employer identification number assigned by theU.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the FICE (institution)

/tern Entry

activity. If additional columns are needed, use as manyadditional forms as needed and indicate page number inspace provided in upper right; however, the summarytotals of all programs, functions, or activities should beshown in the "total" column on the first page.

11 a Enter in "as of date," the month, day, and year of theending of the accounting period to which this amountapplies. Enter program outlays to date (net of refunds,rebates, and discounts), in the appropriate columns. Forrequests prepared on a cash basis, outlays are the sumof actual cash disbursements for goods and services,the amount of indirect expenses charged, the value of inkind contributions applied, and the amount of cash


15/23

PUNTA FLAMENCO FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Proposal Recipient:

u.s. Department of th e InteriorFish an d Wildlife Service

Boqueron Field OfficeAttn: Beverly Yoshioka

April 2008


16/23

.d Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

~

Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration Project

Culebra, Puerto Rico

I. Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to take the first steps toward restoring the native forestecosystem at a private property adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) inCulebra. In recent decades, woodlands have returned to Culebra as agricultural landshave been abandoned. These woodlands, however, are dominated by invasive speciesnotably mesquite, acacia, and Guinea grass - which have a stranglehold on the nativeplant community, choking of f a natural succession. Furthermore, some native trees andother plant species have been extirpated from the island, or have such limiteddistributions on the island, that they are unlikely to recolonize their ranges unlessreintroduced by man.

This forest restoration project seeks to begin the restoration of the native plantcommunity at a 44-hectare property owned by Puerto Rico Land and Fruit (PRLF). Thisproperty is located on Punta Flamenco, adjacent to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge(NWR). In its initial phase, the project seeks to:

Remove a minimum of 500 invasive mesquite and acacia in three areas measuring2.6 hectares, replacing them with 500 trees of23 native species and growinganother 500 trees from germplasm collected in Culebra to be planted in the

subsequent project phase (two-to-one replacement ratio). Introduce special native elements of Culebran flora that are at present missing,rare, or endangered, for example, Baslardiopsis eggersii, Eugeniafqjardensis yPeperomia wheeleri.


17/23

~ d Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Figure 1.

I

i ' - . ~ .rw,i'tj

1> -3:"/"1'

ltm;.'l $ H>HlvtiIf:ln., ~ { ~ ' ~ ~ I f ' r i , tII ! 'j

4 )0 Tlrbllt! f 5 tVJ i:l(IU() vxl11(ltlHtll


18/23

. d Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Areas to be restored

We will initiate the forest restoration project in four areas indicated in Figure 1: 1)margins of existing roads, 2) sea grape belt to the east of the old pier, 3) former Navy fueldepot and surrounding areas, and 4) ponel.

1) . Road Margin Area

The margins (5 m on each side) of 2,029 m of existing roads will revegetated with nativetrees. The total area to be restored measures 20,290 m 2 (2.0 ha). These road areas are: a)

from the entrance booth to the helipad (1,160 m), b) road to the gate of the NW R (129m), c) road to the pond (95 m), d) road to the communication tower (575 m), and e) steeproad recently stabilized with concrete (70 m).

At present, both sides of the roads are covered mainly by grasslands and secondaryshrubwoods dominated by Guinea grass (Panicul11 maximum), mesquite (Prosopisjul(flora) and twisted acacia (Acacia tortuosa). Approximately 400 mesquite and acaciatrees will be replaced with some 800 native trees (see Table 1) featuring the following

speCIes:

St. Bartholomy (Cordia rickseckeri)Gumbo-limbo (Bursera sil1laruba)Greenheart (Colubrina arborescens)Fish poison (Piscidia carthagenensis)Old woman bitter (Citharexylul1lj7-zlticosul1l)Red manjack (Cordia collococca)

White cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla)Black mampoo (Guapirajragrans)White cherry (Adelia ricinella)Brisselet (E1Jithrm:ylul1l brevi pes)Boislaglu (Ficus citrffolia)Black olive (Bucida buceras)

Mesquites and acacias trees will be removed gradually. Removal will be accomplishedby cutting them at ground level with chainsaws or other hand tools. Stumps will be leftin the ground in order to minimize disturbance. Wood from larger mesquite trunks will be


19/23

,(a Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

addition to sea grape (Cocc%ba u v ~ f e r a ) ,other trees in this plant community are corktree (The,spesia populnea), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), fish poison (Piscidia

cal'thagenensis), gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) and SL Bartholomy (Cordiarickseckeri). Mesquites and acacias do not dominate this community as they do in moreupland areas, but a total o f about 30 mesquite and acacia will be removed (following themethodology previously described) and replaced with 60 native trees. This is the areawhere Eugenia /qjardensis, Peperomia wheeleri and Baslardiopsis eggersii (Bastardmaga wood) would be reintroduced. The later is an endemic species discovered inCulebra in 1906 by N. L. Britton and W. M. Wheeler. By 1916, it was consideredextirpated from Culebra.

3) Former Fuel Depot

Measuring 8,000 m 2 , this is a very disturbed area with several concrete platforms andstructures. It will eventually be used to construct a nursery facility. In this initial phaseo f the restoration project, we will plant 30 native trees o f the species indicated in theattached list.

4) Pond

A small pond measuring about 200 m 2 was originally constructed 'to provide water tolivestock. It now is mostly filled in with sediment and colonized by about 50 mesquitetrees, but it still manages to hold some water throughout most the year.

Our plan is to remove the mesquite and most o f the sediment so that the pond can serve tocollect and store rainwater to irrigate the forest restoration project. We will revegetatethe pond margins with the native Stahlia monosperma (Cobana negra in Spanish).Through a cooperative agreement, wetland specialists from DNER will provide technicalassistance for this project activity.


20/23

,( 3 Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

I l l . Responsibilities

The institutions that will be involved in the project are: Puerto Rico Land and Fruit,Metropolitan Arboretum (Pat'que Dona Ines at Fundaci6n Luis Munoz Marin), DNER,and USFWS. Their tasks and responsibilities would be as follows:

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit (PRLF), the project applicant and owner o f theproperty, will be responsible for the mesquite/acacia removal and tree planting, aswell as the maintenance to ensure the survival of the plantings. It will provide thepersonnel, supplies, and equipment to perform these activities. Forester Victor

Gonzalez will direct the project. Plant ecologist Julio Lazcano and botanistFabiola Areces will manage restoration activities. Two caretakers at the propertywill handle most of the mesquite and acacia removal and tree planting.Occasionally, a four-man work crew from PRLF's other farms will visit the site toadvance the project.

The Metropolitan Arboretum will supply most of the native trees to plant.Botanist Alberto Areces and agronomist Gabriela Ocampo of Metropolitan

Arboretum will provide technical assistance to maximize survivorship and restorenative plant communities.

DNER through Jose L. Chabert will provide technical assistance to restore thepond. DNER forest rangers stationed on Culebra will patrol the project area on aregular basis to protect the plantings.

USFWS through Carlos Pacheco and Beverly Yoshioka will provide technicalassistance on plant community restoration, as well as advice on the reintroductionof two rare species, Peperomia wheeleri and Eugeniafqjardensis.


21/23

.ca Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Table 1. List of the native species that will be used to replace invasives.

FAMILIA NOMBRE CIENTIFICO NOMBRE COMUN

EUPHORBIACEAE Adelia ricinella Escambr6n

RUTACEAE Amyris elem[fera Tea

MALVACEAE Bastardiopsis eggersii -------

BORAGINACEAE Bourreria succulenta Palo de vaca

COMBRET ACEAE Bucida buceras Ucar

BURSERACEAE BUl'sera simaruba AlmacigoCAPPARACEAE Capparis cynophallophora Burro prieto

CAPPARACEAE Capparis indica Sapo prieto

FLACOURTIACEAE Caseal'ia guianensis Cafeillo

SAPOTACEAE Chl)!sophyllum pauc(/loI'Ul11 Caimito de perro

VERBENACEAE Cilharexylum /i'uticosum Palo de guitarra

RHAMNACEAE Colubrina arborescens AbeyueloBORAGINACEAE Cordia collococca Capa rojo

BORAGINACEAE Cordia rickseckeri Palo de lija

ERYTHROXYLACEAE Elythroxylum areo/atum Indio

ERYTHROXYLACEAE El)!throxylum brevi pe s .liba

MORACEAE Ficus citr(folia .lagueillo

NYCTAGINACEAE GucqJira fi


22/23

Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

IV . Performance

Period fo r

Restoration Proiect

Task

Establish of temporarynursery facility

Develop/use temporaryirrigation system todeliver water until

d is readTransport nativesaplings to site fromMetropolitan

Arboretum and othersourcesCollect seed and

acacias

Plant native treespecies

Propagatethreatened/ra re

irriqation

Puelto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008

2 0 0 8 2 0 0 9

Feb I Mar I Ap r I May I Jun I Jul I Aug I Sep I Oct I Nov I Dec

7


23/23

Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Develop irrigationsystem to deliverrainwater to strategic

laces

Maintain plantings

Monitor/evaluateproject

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 8

Email Yoshioka Jlancano Jaguamaccia Site 6-2-2009

Documents