16

Beverly To jlazcano jaguarnaccia

Yoshioka/R4/FWS/DOI
cc Carlos Pacheco/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS, Omar
06/02/2009 03: 13 PM Monsegur/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS
bcc Edwin Muniz/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS; Carlos
Diaz/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS
Subject Punta Flamenco project

Saludos julio and John,

Julio, thank you for taking so much time during visiting the project in Culebra. I wanted to follow up with
you 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 copy
originally sent to Mr. Gonzalez for signing was apparently complete and essentially the same as the one I
had coordinated with John Guarnaccia prior to sending the package to Atlanta. What apparently
happened is that they had a two-sided copy and only originally scanned one side. I contacted our
Contracting 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 to
you in Culebra. Therefore, I'm attaching the complete agreement for you. That agreement was also
accompanied 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 not
concerned about that, particularly since that page may not Ilave been in the copy you received. I would
appreciate a short report (it can be just a few pages) summarizing the accomplishments to date. It should
include a revised calendar of activities (from your original proposal, Section IV. Performance Period for
Restoration Project) to reflect new time frames. The performance period for the cooperative agreement
runs through December 2009. As a suggestion, you might want to address the items below--each with
several sentences.

Based on the site visit, I have the following observations (PLEASE correct any you think are incorrect or
should be modified):
1) The temporary nursery (task 1) has not yet been established, although I understand that some trees
are being propagated at the Fundaci6n. My understanding is that this is because some permissions to set
up a larger project on the property have not yet been obtatined, and a nursery cannot be maintained
without water.
2) Develop/use temporary irrigation system to deliver water until the pond is ready (Task 2). Again, this is
apparently held up due to other considerations, although I understand that some watering of planted trees
is proceeding.
3) Transport native saplings from the Fundacion arboretum & other sources. I think this is in progress,
but slowed due to the lack of watering capability and prolonged drought.
4) Collect seed and propagate native species at project site. The seed collection is apparently taking
place, but propagation on site is not yet being done or is very limited.
5) Remove mesquite and acacia. My understanding is that for the project area, this has been largely
accomplished.
6) Plant native tree species. Again, this is apparently underway, but slow due to drought and lack of
watering facilities.
7) Propagate threatened/rare species. I understand some propagation of rare, but not federally listed
species is underway at the Fundaci6n. The two federally listed species were discussed at some length on
site. We hope to supply you with some of the Peperomia cuttings that we are propagating in the future.
We are concerned that the Leptocereus come only from local populations in Culebra, and hope to supply
you with some we are producing from cuttings. This is particularly important as we are hoping that the
recent mealy worm blight affecting cactus on the main island does not get transported to Culebra--so we
are discouraging any transport of cactus to Culebra.
8) Develop microhabitats for threatenedlrare species and plant them. Carlos Pacheco and Omar
Monsegur identified several sites with you in the field that they believe would be suitable for Peperomia
and Leptocereus. These are in or immediately adjacent to the boulder forest dry drainages. No
 • L_ ~~IIf"\\N uO WIlli

Peperomia or Leptocereus were found in the areas examined on the property, but the basic habitat type
and plant associations seen in conjunction with these species was seen in the boulder forest sites. Some
of the more open boulder forest sites could be improved through planting trees typical of these sites such
as almacigo and adding some humus and course leaf material to the boulder areas. I will request
additional enrichment species possibilities from Omar in the near future. They were also impressed by
some 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 the
pond may be lined with cement to retain water. This will reduce wildlife benefits of the pond, but should
assist in retaining irrigation water.
10) Develop irrigation system to deliver rainwater to strategic places. Our understanding is that this is not
yet 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 to
some elements in the project, it may eventually require a modification to extend the time period of the
project. We understand that dry forest restoraiton is a difficult process. The agreement does not have to
be extended at this time, but we suggest that you reevaluate it within the next three months to decide if an
extension is needed. A no-cost modification is a simple process, providing there is reason for the
extension (generally an explanatory letter from the cooperator requesting an extension), and a
reevaluation 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 the
removal of a larger Acacia appears to be resprouting, other incidental damage appears minimal, and the
initial 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 property
line 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 higher
canopy. with a clear line beneath in the future.

The agreement indicated that approximately half of the Federal funds for the project would be requested in
the first quarter, and our understanding was that this would be largely to support the nusery activities.
Requests for the obligated project funds should be made using an SF270 form (attached). They can be
requested in part during the project, or complete at the end of the project. The filled, signed form should
be sent to me for approval and processing.

Thank you, and we hope to discuss this continuing effort with you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Beverly Yoshioka
 r

AGREEMENT NO.: 401818J565

CHARGE CODE: 41430-1124-0000 W5 (FY08)
AMOUNT: $7,500.00
DUNS NO: 161035931
FAADS: 72-76740-San Juan 069-Huacao-00930-98-07/01/2008-12/31/2009-to implement the
Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration-22

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

Between

u.s. DEPARTMENT OF 'l'.HE IN'T'ERI()H

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

And

PUERTO RICO LAND AND FRUIT

I. COOPERATNE AGREEMENT RECIPIENT:

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit

-AcCEPT.ED
Mr. Victor L. Gonzalez
Calle Granada 2429 SfP 10 20081
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00913

Recipient Class: Private, For Profit

.~~-~.~,£.ES . -~

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 15.630

II. AUTHORITY:

This agreement between the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
(hereinafter referred to as the "Service") and the Puerto Rico Land and Fruit Company
(hereinafter referred to as the "Recipient") is hereby entered into under the authority of
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16U.S.C. 661 et seq.).

m. PURPOSE:

This Cooperative Agreement is being implemented in order to complete the project

entitled Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration. The purpose of the project is to restore
native dry forest on approximately 6.4 acres of land within the owner's approximately
109 acre property in Culebra, Puerto Rico. The practices to be used include dry forest
reforestation and forest stand improvement. The recipient intends to plant a number of

1
 native tree specit:s, including some that have become rarc or that were previously reported
ii-olll the area and locally extirpated and the federally listed cobana negra tree (Stahlill
mOllOSpl'rllla)_ The recipient also intends to develop or enhance populations of the
federally listed plant, Peperomia wheelert), providing that suitable habitat is found and
verified by Service biologists. A small fann pond will be restored, mostly to provide a
source orirrigation water, but will also provide some habitat functions. The project will
provide habitat for a variety of migratory and resident songbird species, improve nesting
habitat for the federally listed hawksbill sea turtle, potentially develop another population
of a federally listed plant species endemic to Culebra (Peperomia ,"heeleri), expand the
populations of the federally listed cobana negra (Stalzlia mOllosperma), and improve dry
forest habitat adjacent to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The project is a
. C')opt;la!ci-V.e.agreemefitthfltwil-J.:::.t~~~J@jyJJi~iltll$s.is:tance~fr6ntlheTb~:Stal-~Program -------
c6or(finafoi~--ml(rotlle-;:-Ecological Services staff as needed and as their time permits.

The property includes potential habitat for several federally listed reptiles. The project is
expected to improve this habitat, but there will be some initial disturbance in the exotic
tree removal phase. This is being limited by precluding the use of mechanized land
clearing equipment in potentially sensitive areas. Additionally, the work crews will be
made aware of the potential for these species, and will avoid working in the immediate
area if they are sighted. Any sightings of these species will be reported to the Service.
Additional infon-nation is provided in the Intra-Service Section 7 Biological Evaluation
Foml.

IV. BACKGROUND:

Culebra was a small agrarian and fishing community. In the early part of the 1900s,
much of the island was deforested to provide cattle pasture. Subsequently, parts of
Culebra and its associated cays were used as bombing and military exercise practice sites
by the U.S. Department of Defense. Portions of these properties were returned to private
hands, and others, identified as being important to Federal trust resources, were passed to
the Fish and Wildlife Service to be managed as a National Wildlife Refuge. Many of the
beaches of Culebra are known nesting sites for leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. Dry
forest habitat on the island provides habitat for the federally listed endangered Virgin
Islands tree boa. Nearshore seagrass beds provide important fish and shellfish habitat,
and are known to provide forage for the federally listed threatened green sea turtle.
Offshore cays are important nesting sites for a number of resident and migratory seabirds.
At least two listed plant species, Peperomia Ivlzeeleri and Leptocereus grantianus. occur
on Culebra. The former was previously reported from the recipient's property.

In recent decades, woodlands have retumed to Culebra as agricultural lands have been
abandoncd. These woodlands, however, are dominated by exotic invasive species that
include species of trees and shrubs such as mesquite and acacia, and exotic grasses,
particularly Guinca grass_ These invasive exotic species out-compete the native
vegetation, seriously slowing down or obviating natural succession or restoration. Some

2
 native trce spccil!s, including some that have become rarc or that were previously reported
fi'olll the area and locally extirpated and the federally listed cabana negra tree (S/ahlia
1Il0110SPUnJW) , The recipient also intends to develop or enhance populations of the
federally listed plant, Peperomia wheeleri), providing that suitable habitat is found and
verified by Service biologists. A small fann pond will be restored, mostly to provide a
source of irrigation water, but will also provide some habitat functions. The project wi II
provide habitat for a variety of migratory and resident songbird species, improve nesting
habitat for the federally listed hawksbill sea turtle, potentially develop another population
of a federally listed plant species endemic to Culebra (Peperomia tvlteeleri), expand the
popUlations of the federally listed cabana negra (Stahlia monosperma), and improve dry
forest habitat adjacent to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. The project is a
';:\Jop~n~ii¥~·.lJgre~m.eflt thatwill-ilWludeJ~tvJi.c~tassi'S:tance;fr6flj Ihe:,C{:l~sfarprogram·
... coor(rir;aroi~--an(Cotlie-;:-Ecologi~~TS~~i~cs staff as needed and as their time permits.

The property includes potential habitat for several federally listed reptiles. The project is
expected to improve this habitat, but there will be some initial disturbance in the exotic
tree removal phase. This is being limited by precluding the use of mechanized land
clearing equipment in potentially sensitive areas. Additionally, the work crews will be
made aware of the potential for these species, and will avoid working in the immediate
area if they are sighted. Any sightings of these species will be reported to the Service.
Additional information is provided in the Intra-Service Section 7 Biological Evaluation
Foml.

IV. BACKGROUND:

Culebra was a small agrarian and fishing community. In the early part of the 1900s:
much of the island was deforested to provide cattle pasture. Subsequently, parts of
Culebra and its associated cays were used as bombing and military exercise practice sites
by the U.S. Department of Defense. Portions of these properties were returned to private
hands, and others, identified as being important to Federal trust resources, were passed to
the Fish and Wildlife Service to be managed as a National Wildlife Refuge. Many of the
beaches of Culebra are known nesting sites for leatherback and hawksbi II sea turtles. Dry
forest habitat on the island provides habitat for the federally listed endangered Virgin
Islands tree boa. Nearshore seagrass beds provide important fish and shellfish habitat,
and are known to provide forage for the federally listed threatened green sea turtle.
Offshore cays are important nesting sites for a number of resident and migratory seabirds.
At \east two listed plant species, Peperomia wheeleri and Leptocereus grant janus, occur
on Culebra. The fonner was previously reported iI-om the recipient's property.

In recent decades, woodlands have returned to Culebra as agricultural lands have been
abandoned. These woodlands, however, are dominated by exotic invasive species that
include species of trees and shrubs such as mesquite and acacia, and exotic grasses,
particularly Guinea grass. These invasive exotic species out-compete the native
vegetation, seriously slowing down or obviating natural succession or restoration. Some

2
 native trees and other plant species have been extirpated from the island, or have such
limited distributions there, that they are unlikely to recolonize their ranges unless
reintroduced by man.

Tlus project will take the first steps toward restoring the native forest ecosystem in a
private property adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Culebra. The property
is a fan11 of approximately 109 acres that consists of dry forest dominated by exotic
grasses, trees, and bushes (Figure 1). Within the defined project areas specific invasive
exotic 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 within
the property with native tree species. Other areas for exotic removal and forest stand
imprOvBmen!inc!u(k: tilt; ar(';;f;t hGtWI,:t!H a!~{;;t:ntly built S(f~l~p n:md and tn,:, main <l<:CIOS£;
road, an area around an existing farm pond, areas near the hcllpad in the northeast part of
the property, part of the old fuel depot, and a strip of forest near the beach (north of the
small pier). In total, an area of about 6.4 acres will be treated with exotic invasive plant
removal, and reforestation with native trees. The farm pond will be refurbished to be
llsed as an irrigation water source, as needed. Figure 2 defines the approximate project
areas. Additional effort will be made to locate suitable sites within the property and
establish a new popUlation of Peperomia wheeleri, a federally listed plant species.

Figure l. farm
boundaries.

3
 Tree species considered undesirable that would be removed include Prosopisjuliflora
and Acacia {or(uosa. A complete list of the native trce species that would be included in
the reforestation arc included in the attached proposal from the recipient. Tree removal
would bc done utilizing hand tools, including chain saws, and Round Up herbicide might
be 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 some
large machinery to clear out the faml pond. The pond is a man-made fann pond with no
perennial flow in or out of the pond, and should be considered to be a non-jurisdictional,
isolated wetland for Clean Water Act purposes. The applicant will verify this with the
U.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 the
tree seedlings and technical assistance from their staff. PRDNER will be providing
technical assistance as well.

Figure 2. Aerial photomosa

property boundaries, roads that will have the margins reforested, sea grape
beach area, fuel depot, pond site, and helipad.

4
 V. SCOPE OF EI.,FORT:

A. The following are components or activities of the project:

1. The margins of road segments (identified below and in Figure 2) will be cleaned
of approximately 400 undesirable tree and bush species for 5 meters to either side
using hand tools and chain saws, as identified in the proposal, and be replanted
with about 800 desirable native tree species as detemlined by the recipient. A
small tractor with backhoe or auger may be used in the planting. The road
segments 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 NWR (129 m)
,.,.. c. .. Ro4.dJo,Jhepond.(95::mJ~ ..... ".. ....~, ... , . . ........... .
...- .......__ ..--... ... --a.Road tOthecohiirii.ii1It~ti()lftower'r575mr'~' ..... .. . - -.-.... ~... ...... -- .. .
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. The area identified in the proposal as the Sea Grape belt. This is a strip of
vegetation behind the Zona Maritima Tenestre on the identified beach strip (from
the pier north to the property boundary). All clearing and planting will be done
by hand.
a. Exotic tree removal is limited in this site to about' 30 mesquite and acacia, and
will be conducted using hand tools and 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. The farm pond will be cleared of invasive exotic vegetation. This may
involve some mechanized sediment removal specifically for this element.
b. The pond edges will be replanted with Stahlia monosperma, a federally listed
endangered tree species.
5. The planted trees will be maintained, including watering, weeding, and other
maintenance activities. Herbicide, if used, will only be applied through a wipe
on or injection technique (no spray).

B. The Service will provide or conduct the following:

1. The sum of$7,500.00 to cover the cost of producing 500 native trees from seed
(at $15.00 for trees to be grown out in 3-5 gallon pots).
2. Tec1mical assistance as requested and as biologist time pennits. For general
tec1mical assistance, Beverly Yoshioka is the primary contact. Staff biologist
Carlos Pacheco is the contact for technical assistance with Peperomia wheeleri.

5
 C. The recipient will provide or conduct the following:

I. Cost-share that includes oversight and labor to perfonn the 5 activities in Section
V.A. Scope of Work. Timing will follow, as closely as possible, the timetable
laid out in the recipient's proposal.
2. Interim and final reports as specified in Section XII. Reporting/Delivery
Requirements.
3. The final financial repoli will include a final evaluation of cost-share for the
project.

VI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

-~·--~-~--=--::='--~~-~--~~~--~Their~;·i~;:d~oipCe~fbt,ri~~-;i~-6nllEragrEementls from July t, 2008 lhr;~ghD~~ember 31,

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 Service's obligation
to provide funding for funding increments included in this agreement is contingent
upon (i) satisfactory perfonnance and Oi) the availability of funds. Accordingly, no
legal liability on the part of the Recipient exists unless or until funds are made
available to the Recipient and notice of such availability is confinned in writing to
the Recipient.

vrn. APPROPRIATION DATA:

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

IX. PA YMENT PROVISIONS:

A. Upon acceptance of the tenns and conditions of this agreement, the Recipient may
submit requests for payment using Standard Form 270, Request for Advance or
Reimbursement, no more frequently than monthly. (Standard Fonn 271 must be
used if agreement is for construction.) The Debt Collection Improvement Act of
1996 (P.L. 104-134) requires that all federal payments made by an agency after July
26, 1996, must be made by electronic funds transfer unless the recipient certifies that
they do not have an account at a financial institution or authorized payment agent.
Partial payments may be made upon receipt of deliverables. Final payment will
not be made until the final report is received and approved by the Service.

B. The original and two copies of each payment request (SF 270) shall be submitted to
the Service Project Officer identified in Article XI.A. of this agreement. Upon
 approval. the Service Project Officer shall fOlward the payment request and one copy
to the Budget, Planning and Financial Services Officer for processing.

C. Should the Recipient be unab le to complete the provisions of this agreement, all
monies provided by the Service which prove to be cancelable obligations or
unallowable 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 of

time. Any portion of funds advanced to the Recipient that are not expended at the
completion ofthe period of performance of this agreement shall be returned to the
S(~rvict·) aiong with any inten~st earned on that amount

X. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:

The Administrative Officer for this agreement is:

Janice McNeill
Jamison Professional Services Contractor
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1875 Century Boulevard, Room 310
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
Phone: (404) 679-4056
Fax: (404) 679-4057
Email: janice_mcneill@fws.gov

XI. PROJECT OFFICERS:

A. Beverly Yoshioka
Coordinator, Coastal Program in the Caribbean
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 491
Boqueron, Puerto Rico
Phone: (787) 851-7297 ext. 227
E-mail: beverlyJoshioka@fws.gov

B. Mr. Victor Gonzalez

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit
Calle Granada 2429
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00913
Phone: 787-977-5650
E-mail: victorluisgoI1zalez@yahoo.com

7
.\11. J~EPORTING/DEUVERY REQUIREMENTS:

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

B. Final Report: Within 90 calendar days after the agreement completion date as
defined in the agreement or in the most current modification, the Recipient Project
Officer shall submit a final report to the Service Project Officer identified in Article
XI.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, the
Recipient shall submit to the Service Administrative Officer a final Financial Status
Report (Standard Form 269).

xm. TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The Department of the Interior regulations governing assistance agreements with

commercial enterprises for profit organizations at subparts A, D~F of 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
regulations), are applicable to this agreement and are incorporated by reference with the
same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Service's
Division of Contracting and Grant Services will make the full text of these regulations
available. Also, FAR Part 31 and FAR Clause 52.215.2 shall be followed and adhered to.

XIV, MODIFICATIONS:

Modi fications or renewals may be proposed at any time during the period of performance
by either party and shall become effective upon approval of both parties.

XV. SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

A. The Recipient is responsible for obtaining all permits necessary to complete the
proposed work.

8
 B. The Recipient is responsible for obtaining any necessary pennission from private
property owners to complete the proposed work.

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

D. The Service will be acknowledged, as a contributing partner, on any signage

installed regarding the project. Any pUblications or presentations produced as a
result of this project will also acknowledge the Service.

E. The Service's liability will be govemed by the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.c.
........... -.'. .... -...... . .. c.2761.ets~.)..The..e~~f.~U~_~~il'i~r~lill:~iljty~s.b!IIL~.gQyemed·bytheJaws~ .... --- .
. - .....-.. _.... .... --.--. _ .. - - - - -ofthe Comil10nwealth 0 f Puerto Rico.

F. Recipients of grants/cooperative agreements and/or sub-awards are encouraged to

adopt and enforce on-the-job seat belt use and policies and programs for their
employees when operating company-owned. rented, or personally-owned vehicles.
These measures include, but are not limited to, conducting education, awareness,
and other appropriate programs for their employees about the imp@rtance of wearing
seat belts and the consequences of not wearing them. '

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

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERlOR

::H:zr~RVICE
~::bift;. C,ontracting & Grant Servka DIvlsJoa
TITLE: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

DATE: _ _O---'?-J-6_"'r"'--I-·;}_Z-_'_0_'(_-:)_8_"'_ _

1988
#68745
66_0474263

9
 OMB APPROVAL NO. PAGE OF

REQUEST FOR ADVANCE

~
0348-0004 I PAGES

a. "X" one or both boxes 2. BASIS OF REQUEST

OR REIMBURSEMENT 1. o ADVANCE 0 REIMBURSE-

TYPE OF MENT o CASH
PAYMENT b. '~'<" the applicable box
(See instructions on back) REQUESTED o FINAL o PARTIAL o ACCRUAL
3. 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 Number
and Street: and Street:

City, State City, State

and 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)

outlays to date $ $ $ $ 0.00
b. Less: Cumulative~ogram income 0.00
c. Net program outlays (Line a minus
line b) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
d. Estimated net cash outlays for advance
period 0.00

e. Total (Sum of lines c & d) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

f. Non-Federal share of amount on line e 0.00
g. Federal share of amount on line e 0.00
h. Federal payments previously requested 0.00
i. Federal share now requested (Une 9
minus line h) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
j. Advances required by
month, when requested 1st month 0.00
by Federal grantor
agency for use in making 2nd month 0.00
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STANDARD FORM 270 (Rev. 7-97) Back
PUNTA FLAMENCO FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Proposal Recipient:

u.s. Department of the Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service
Boqueron Field Office
Attn: Beverly Yoshioka

April 2008

Applicant:

Victor L. Gonzalez
Puerto Rico Land and Fruit
Calle Granada 2429
San Juan, PR 00913
(787) 977-5650, phone
victorluisgonzalez@yahoo.col11
 .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 forest
ecosystem at a private property adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in
Culebra. In recent decades, woodlands have returned to Culebra as agricultural lands
have been abandoned. These woodlands, however, are dominated by invasive species
notably mesquite, acacia, and Guinea grass - which have a stranglehold on the native
plant community, choking off a natural succession. Furthermore, some native trees and
other plant species have been extirpated from the island, or have such limited
distributions on the island, that they are unlikely to recolonize their ranges unless
reintroduced by man.

This forest restoration project seeks to begin the restoration of the native plant
community at a 44-hectare property owned by Puerto Rico Land and Fruit (PRLF). This
property 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 measuring
2.6 hectares, replacing them with 500 trees of23 native species and growing
another 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 y
Peperomia wheeleri.

II. Scope of work

Location

PRLF's 44-hectare property is located on Punta Flamenco in Culebra (see Figure 1).
Photographs from 20 years ago show the property to be mainly pasture. As described
above, the property is mostly secondary woodland dominated by invasive species.

The property borders a number of protected areas managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Service (USFWS) or the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto
Rico (DNER), namely the Culebra NWR, Flamenco Beach, Flamenco Lagoon, and
Resaca Beach.

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 1

 ~d Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Figure 1.

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Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 2

 .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 fuel
depot 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 native
trees. 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 NWR (129
m), c) road to the pond (95 m), d) road to the communication tower (575 m), and e) steep
road recently stabilized with concrete (70 m).

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

St. Bartholomy (Cordia rickseckeri) White cedar (Tabebuia heterophylla)

Gumbo-limbo (Bursera sil1laruba)
Greenheart (Colubrina arborescens)
Fish poison (Piscidia carthagenensis)
Old woman bitter (Citharexylul1lj7-zlticosul1l)
Red manjack (Cordia collococca)
Black mampoo (Guapirajragrans)
White cherry (Adelia ricinella)
Brisselet (E1Jithrm:ylul1l brevipes)
Boislaglu (Ficus citrffolia)
Black olive (Bucida buceras)

Mesquites and acacias trees will be removed gradually. Removal will be accomplished
by cutting them at ground level with chainsaws or other hand tools. Stumps will be left
in the ground in order to minimize disturbance. Wood from larger mesquite trunks will be
offered to cabinet-makers and craft workers. Branches and trunks not suitable for
furniture or crafts will be processed into charcoal or ground into mulch.

The existing roads won't be widened, nor will new paths or tracks be opened. Bulldozers
or other heavy equipment will not be used to clear the vegetation, nor will any kind of
earth movement be performed. Existing roads will be used to move the necessary tools
and equipment to the work areas.

The native trees will be planted as the mesquite and acacia are removed. Along roads,
holes for planting trees will be opened with a small tractor. Away from roads, holes will
be opened using one/two-man hole digger.

2) Sea Grape Belt

Indicated in Figure 1, the sea grape belt is located just behind the beach. It begins to the
north ofthe old pier and is not included in the zona marftimo-terrestre. The area to be
restored measures 373 mlong and 15 m wide, for a total area of 5,595 m2 (0.6 ha). In

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 3

 ,(a Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

addition to sea grape (Cocc%ba uv~fera), other trees in this plant community are cork
tree (The,spesia populnea), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), fish poison (Piscidia
cal'thagenensis), gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) and SL Bartholomy (Cordia
rickseckeri). Mesquites and acacias do not dominate this community as they do in more
upland areas, but a total of about 30 mesquite and acacia will be removed (following the
methodology previously described) and replaced with 60 native trees. This is the area
where Eugenia /qjardensis, Peperomia wheeleri and Baslardiopsis eggersii (Bastard
maga wood) would be reintroduced. The later is an endemic species discovered in
Culebra in 1906 by N. L. Britton and W. M. Wheeler. By 1916, it was considered
extirpated from Culebra.

3) Former Fuel Depot

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

4) Pond

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

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

Other considerations

The key to the survival of the seedlings will be irrigation. Until the pond is rehabilitated
and can serve as a reservoir, the plants will be watered using a 250 gallons water tank
carried on a pickup. Two caretakers will carry out this activity.

Until the nursery is constructed, a temporary nursery facility will be established at the
fonner fuel depot. This will consist on a steel frame covered with shade cloth. The
nursery will be the staging area for the 500 native trees imported from various sources in
Puerto Rico, primarily the Metropolitan Arboretum. We will also use it to germinate
seeds collected from native plants growing in the property and in other parts of Culebra.
Our goal is to produce 500 trees from seed. They will be planted out in phase two of the
project.

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 4

 ,(3 Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Ill. 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 of the
property, will be responsible for the mesquite/acacia removal and tree planting, as
well as the maintenance to ensure the survival of the plantings. It will provide the
personnel, supplies, and equipment to perform these activities. Forester Victor
Gonzalez will direct the project. Plant ecologist Julio Lazcano and botanist
Fabiola Areces will manage restoration activities. Two caretakers at the property
will 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 to
advance 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 restore
native plant communities.

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

• USFWS through Carlos Pacheco and Beverly Yoshioka will provide technical
assistance on plant community restoration, as well as advice on the reintroduction
of two rare species, Peperomia wheeleri and Eugeniafqjardensis.

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 5.

 .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
COMBRETACEAE Bucida buceras Ucar
BURSERACEAE BUl'sera simaruba Almacigo
CAPPARACEAE 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 Abeyuelo
BORAGINACEAE Cordia collococca Capa rojo
BORAGINACEAE Cordia rickseckeri Palo de lija
ERYTHROXYLACEAE Elythroxylum areo/atum Indio
ERYTHROXYLACEAE El)!throxylum brevipes .liba
MORACEAE Ficus citr(folia .lagueillo
NYCTAGINACEAE GucqJira fi<agans Corcho
MYRTACEAE JvJyrciaria ./loribunda Mirto
FABACEAE Piscidia carfhagenensis Ventura
APOCYNACEAE Rauvo(fia viridis Cachimbo blanco
FABACEAE Stahlia monosperma Cobana negra
BIGNONIACEAE Tabebuia heterophylla Roble

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 6

Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

IV. Performance 2008 2009

Period for
Restoration Proiect
Feb I Mar I Apr I May I Jun I Jul I Aug I Sep I Oct I Nov I Dec
Task
Establish of temporary
nursery facility
Develop/use temporary
irrigation system to
deliver water until
d is read
Transport native
saplings to site from
Metropolitan
Arboretum and other
sources
Collect seed and

acacias
Plant native tree
species
Propagate
threatened/ra re

irriqation

Puelto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 7

Punta Flamenco Forest Restoration Project, Culebra, PR

Develop irrigation
system to deliver
rainwater to strategic
laces
Maintain plantings

Monitor/evaluate
project

Puerto Rico Land and Fruit, April 2008 8