Selective Predator Management Proposed projects must include a(n): Overall project scope of work and budget that includes any contracted work (see #2, below) and any proposed match. Detailed scope of work and budget prepared by a qualified predator management expert. List and justification of species to be targeted based on observations of predator activity in prior years. The minimum amount of effort covered by the amount requested (e.g., observation days, trap-nights, etc.). Justification of the proposed level of effort based on observations of predator activity in prior years and other factors. Estimate of number of piping plover and least tern breeding pairs to benefit from the proposed work based on population sizes in prior years (please include plover and tern census results from 2024 and 2025, at minimum; include a description of benefits to other beach nesting birds, if applicable). Description of non-lethal predator management measures to be implemented (e.g., trash management, perching deterrents; note that standard, non-lethal measures are required but will not be funded through the award). Non-lethal predator management does not fulfill MassWildlife’s federal mitigation requirement and therefore is not the highest priority for funding; however, MassWildlife will nevertheless consider funding non-lethal measures, including experimental measures, that go above and beyond standard measures. Description of proposed matching funds, if any (although a match is not required, projects proposing a match may receive priority consideration; selective predator management funds being expended as a requirement of an HCP Certificate of Inclusion will not be considered match). Please note: Final approval of any awards for selective predator management will be contingent upon MassWildlife receiving written approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the site-specific selective predator management scope of work and budget submitted by the applicant. Due to limited availability of funds, MassWildlife may elect to award funding amounts that do not cover the entirety of a given scope of work. As a condition of accepting funds, the applicant must agree to fund and carry out the remaining work so that the entire scope of work is implemented. Delays in implementing predator control undermine its effectiveness in enhancing plover and tern productivity. By accepting funds, the applicant agrees that there will be no further internal organizational approvals necessary that might delay the timely implementation of a complete predator control program during the nesting season. Increased Law Enforcement to Improve Management of Pets and Other Threats Proposed projects must include a detailed: Scope of work and budget, including any proposed match. Description of project need and justification. Description of the minimum amount of effort covered by the amount requested (e.g., staffing hours for law enforcement effort, etc.). Description of metrics that will be used to measure the efficacy of the program. Description of 2026 baseline law enforcement activities to be undertaken in addition to the supplemental work proposed to be funded by the award (please include these activities in the overall budget). Description of the 2024 and 2025 law enforcement programs including information about staffing hours, efficacy, and budget. Description of proposed matching funds, if any (although a match is not required, projects proposing a match may receive priority consideration; funds being expended as a requirement of an HCP Certificate of Inclusion will not be considered match). Strategic Education and Outreach Proposed projects must include a detailed: Scope of work and budget, including any proposed match. Description of project need and justification including a clear description of how the project will directly benefit breeding piping plovers (and least terns) and lead to on-the-ground conservation outcomes. Description of the minimum amount of effort covered by the amount requested (e.g., number of outreach programs, etc.). Description of 2026 baseline education and outreach activities to be undertaken in addition to the supplemental work proposed to be funded by the award (please include these activities in the overall budget). Description of 2024 and 2025 education and outreach activities. Description of metrics that will be used to measure the efficacy of the program. Description of proposed matching funds, if any (although a match is not required, projects proposing a match may receive priority consideration; funds being expended as a requirement of an HCP Certificate of Inclusion will not be considered match). Experimental Habitat Enhancement (e.g., vegetation management) Proposed projects must include a detailed: Scope of work, budget (including any proposed match), and implementation timeline, including project plans, maps, and anticipated permits required, as applicable. Description of project need and justification. Description of metrics that will be used to measure the efficacy of the program. Description of proposed matching funds, if any (although a match is not required, projects proposing a match may receive priority consideration; funds being expended as a requirement of an HCP Certificate of Inclusion will not be considered match). In recognition of the challenges of implementing habitat enhancement projects, including required permitting, MassWildlife may consider funding habitat enhancement projects with implementation extending beyond 2026. All other proposed projects must be completed in 2026.
