MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (Big Chico Creek Ecological
Reserve)
between
Califomia State University, Chico, Research Foundation
and
State of California, Department of Fish and Game
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made between the California State
University, Chico, Research foundation (CSUC) and the State of California,
Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
I. INTRODUCTION
The cooperative management of the Big Chico Creek Research Area will protect
significant biological resources and will provide consistent management and
protection of approximately five miles of Big Chico Creek in the transition
zone between oak woodland and pine/fir forest. The riparian corridor has rich
ecological resources such as cottonwood riparian, oak riparian, and oak, pine,
mixed chaparral. These lands are part of the migration, holding and spawning
corridor for threatened aquatic species such as spring run chinook and Steelhead
trout. It is also habitat for many native populations of plants and animals
that are impacted by urban encroachment.
II. MUTUAL BENEFITS
The cooperative management of the Big Chico Creek Research Area by CSUC and
DFG will emphasize fish, wildlife and plant species and their habitats, including
blue oak woodland,oak/pine forest, scrub oak/chaparral, and riparian woodland.
Additionally, management will encompass providing scientific research and
educational opportunities and regulated public fishing and hunting programs.
Management issues such as control of alien species, restoration of impacted
habitats and use as an educational resource are best addressed with a partnership
approach.
III. PURPOSE
The purpose of this agreement is to establish the basis of a cooperative partnership
of people, organizations, and facilities with the common need to their individual
abilities to manage the property .
IV.RESPONSIBLITIES
1. The California Department of Fish and Game agrees:
A. To provide warden patrols to
protect the resources of the preserve.
B. To provide other resources through
a mutual agreement when the assistance of DFG would provide the most appropriate
support.
C.To cooperate in the development
and implementation of projects.
D.To implement a regulated hunting
program in cooperation with CSUC.
2.The California State University. Chico, Research Foundation agrees:
A. To provide day to day services
to protect, restore, and enhance the resources of the preserve.
B. To cooperate in the development
and implementation of projects.
C.To initiate a management plan
to be followed with agreement of both agencies.
3. The DFG and CSUC mutually agree-
A. To work cooperatively to
develop management proposals that improve and enhance habitats for fish
and wildlife species.
B.To cooperatively develop a mutually
approved long range management strategy for the area.
C.To manage for resource values
such as recreation where the development of the values are consistent
and compatible with the fish and wildlife emphasis of the area.
V. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY THE PARTIES THAT-
1. Specific studies, activities or projects which involve the transfer of
money. services or property between the parties to this MOU will require execution
of separate agreements or contracts. Each subsequent agreement or arrangement
involving the transfer of money, services or property between the parties
to this MOU must comply with all applicable statues and regulations, including
those statues and regulations applicable to procurement activities, and must
be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority
2. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as obligating the parties
to expand appropriations or to enter into any contract or other obligation.
This instrument is neither a fiscal nor funds obligation document. Any endeavor
involving reimbursement of contributions of funds between the parties to this
instrument will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations.
and procedures including those for Govemment procurement and printing. Such
endeavors win be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing
by representatives of the parties and shall be independently authorized by
appropriate statutory authority. This instrument does not provide such authority.
Specifically. this instrument does not establish authority for non-competitive
award to the cooperator of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or
agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable
requirements for competition.
4.This MOU in no way restricts either party from participating in similar
activities or arrangements with other public or private agencies, organizations,
or individuals.
5.Modification within the scope of this MOU shall be made by the issuance
of a bilaterally executed modification prior to any changes being performed.
6.This MOU may be terminated in whole or in part by mutual agreement of the
parties at any time before the date of expiration.
7. In the event a dispute arises between the parties to this agreement, either
party shall have the option of submitting such dispute to mediation or non-binding
artitration, before submitting to litigation. The prevailing party shall be
entitled to recover all costs and expenses incurred in such action.
8.This MOU is executed as of the last date shown below and expires on May
31, 2005, at which time it will be reviewed and renewed pending approval of
the parties.
VI. PRINCIPAL CONTACTS
The principal contact for this instrument are: Mr. Banky Curtis. Regional
Manager CA Department of Fish and Game Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra 1701
Nimbus Rd., Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) JS8-2900
Scott G. McNaI1, Research Officer California State University, Chico Chico,
CA 95929..0110
(530) 898-6101
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, have executed this agreement as ofMay
24, 2000.
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
RESEARCH FOUNDATION
DATE
