Forest Bird Surveys
The Nature Conservancy of Washington, Ellsworth Creek Preserve

Deadline: Friday, April 14th, 2006.
Bids must be received by 5:00 PM

Background
The Nature Conservancy (The Conservancy) is seeking bids from
qualified contractors to conduct forest bird surveys in young
(5-80 years) forests across 8 experimental units (ranging in size
from 100 -220 hectares) in the 2035 hectare Ellsworth Creek
Preserve in southwestern Washington (Figure 1). The Conservancy
owns and manages the Preserve where our plans include long-term
research regarding the efficacy of forest restoration methods
appropriate to coastal forests. These bird surveys will provide
critical baseline data necessary for monitoring long-term effects
of restoration treatments on forest birds.

The current protocol (Addendum A) is written to obtain information
regarding forest bird species presence and density. However,
the protocol is not finalized and is subject to change following
review and collaboration with outside scientists.

Applicants
Successful applicants will:
Have past experience conducting forest bird surveys in the Pacific
Northwest (southwest Washington preferred).
Demonstrate the ability to successfully identify forest birds
by sound and sight.
Possess familiarity with variable-circular plot survey techniques.
Have a workforce able to commit the necessary people and time to
conduct the surveys (minimum of 2 people for a minimum of 45 survey
mornings from May-June, 2006).
Be in excellent physical condition, capable of hiking long distances
in steep, densely vegetated, rough terrain, often in inclement weather.
Have good orienteering skills.

Selection Process
All applications received by the deadline will be considered for
selection. To ensure fair and balanced review applications should
demonstrate that:
The contractor is registered as a business in the state of Washington.
Maintains adequate insurance.

Bid Requirements
Bids should:
Include basic applicant information:
Organization name, address, contact information
Name of project lead and/or onsite supervisor.
Brief description of the organization and its experience in forest bird
survey work.
Clearly define:
Expected project timetable
Bid amount ? total and brake down by rate (e.g., cost per hour or day)
Any additional proposed costs
Note: The Conservancy will cover up to a maximum of $2000 of housing/
food related expenses (e.g., rental housing for contractors to stay
near the site).
Note: The Conservancy will cover up to a maximum of $2000 for other
travel related expenses (e.g., vehicle mileage)

Schedule
April 14th, 2006, 5:00 PM: Bids are due. Applicants may submit a hard
copy or send the bid electronically to Liane Beggs (lbeggs at tnc.org).
Bids must be received by this time (not just postmarked) to receive
consideration.
April 21st, 2006: Successful applicants will be notified of awards.
May 1 ? May 10, 2006 ? Approximate date field studies would begin at
Ellsworth Creek

Further information
For further information, please contact Liane Beggs, Ellsworth Creek
Ecologist, at 360-589-2732 or lbeggs at tnc.org. Mail documents to:
The Nature Conservancy,
ATTN: Liane Beggs, 750 Commercial Street #212, Astoria, OR 97103.


--
Mike Patterson
Astoria, OR
celata at pacifier.com

Scale, nature and our infinite capacity to rationalize
http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/003674.html