2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative project is to develop and implement science, management and educational outreach plans for restoration of high-priority wildlife habitat at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The Participants will jointly explore and coordinate research, management and outreach activities of mutual interest which will be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformity with the regulations and policies of both Participants. 3.Progress Report This Memorandum of Understanding was developed by ARS and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey (BOP) National Conservation Area (NCA) in support of ARS and BLM rangeland restoration research, management and educational outreach programs. In 2011, BLM and ARS identified three high priority restoration areas in the BOP NCA and initiated vegetation monitoring in preparation for an Environmental Assessment (EA) of proposed restoration practices. Vegetation sampling was completed and a draft EA outline initiated for completion in fiscal year 2012. Rangeland restoration activities on these sites are projected for fall 2012 subsequent to EA approval and wildlife, sensitive plant, and archeological clearances. These research and demonstration sites are part of the ARS Areawide Ecologically Based Invasive Plant Management program and will be used for educational outreach to graduate, undergraduate, and high-school level environmental education programs, and extension outreach to land-management agency personnel. Research status and progress are reported via email and project teleconference calls. The agreement was established in support of Objective 3 of the in-house project, the goals being to improve scientific understanding and to transfer technology related to assessing and mitigating the impacts of ecological disturbances by invasive weeds within sagebrush ecosystems of the Intermountain West.