U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333

A -- NANTICOKE WETLAND MONITORING STUDY: DESIGN, DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING DUE 050898 POC Richard Sumner, 541/754-4444 Requirements -- The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) anticipates funding a cooperative agreement research study. The study will be managed from the USEPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, Oregon. The purpose of the study is to help local and state environmental managers, working in the Nanticoke River watershed of Deleware and Maryland, discern the ecological health of wetland resources, and thereby provide a scientific context for planning future protection and restoration activities. The study will employ a probability-based (random) sampling design, whereby information on the ecological condition of wetlands is gathered from a sample of an identified population of individual sites. Wetland condition will be assessed in terms of wetland acreage and current ecological status as determined through analysis of field measures made at study sites. Funding is anticipated in September 1998, with a planned project period of 36 months. The project will be fully funded at approximately $225,000. Proposals for project funding must be received by May 8, 1998. They will be evaluated according to criteria outlined in the full Request For Assistance. Interested applicants must be eligible to receive federal assistance under the federal Clean Water Act, as amended, and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 30-General Regulation for Assistance Agreements and Part 40-Research and Demonstration Grants. ONLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AND NONPROFIT RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS eligible to receive federal assistance under this Act should submit proposals. Also, favorable consideration will be given only to those applicants that demonstrate direct knowledge of the Nanticoke River watershed and experience in developing technical tools that are useful to community organizations. EPA reserves the right to fund all or parts (options) of one or more proposals, and/or fund the options incrementally, or not to award funding. To obtain a more detailed statement of work contact Richard Sumner, Western Ecology Division, USEPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, (541) 754-4444, FAX (541) 754-4716 (0096)

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