MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

MOJAVE WEED MANAGEMENT AREA

I. [Introduction]{.underline}.

> Noxious weed infestations occur within the Mojave Desert in California
> that reduce the biological, agricultural, recreational, and economical
> value of the land and have negative impact on the environment by
> suppressing native plant species. A coordinated approach to
> identifying sites, developing responses, and educating the public will
> result in a more effective effort to reduce or eliminate noxious weed
> infestations. Responses to noxious weed infestations may include
> mechanical, biological, chemical, and cultural control methods that
> could minimize further noxious weed infestations within the Mojave
> Desert in California.
>
> SB 1740 authorized funding for the implementation of Integrated Weed
> Management Plans submitted by county-based Weed Management Areas
> (WMAs), and to assist the WMAs in garnering additional monetary
> contributions and in-kind support for integrated weed management.
>
> For the purpose of this document, a "noxious" weed is a plant species
> that is detrimental or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or
> important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate.
>
> To facilitate planning and implementation of educational and control
> programs, representatives from the partner agencies developed a list
> of target species within the MWMA. These species are:
>
> Camel thorn *Alhagi camelorum*
>
> Dalmation toadflax *Linaria dalmatic*
>
> Fountain grass *Pennisetium setaceum*
>
> Giant reed *Arundo donax*
>
> Halogeton *Halogeton glomeratus*
>
> Puncture vine *Tribulus terrestris*
>
> Red Brome *Bromus madritensis*
>
> Russian thistle *Salsola tragus*
>
> Saharan mustard *Brassica tournefortii*
>
> Saltcedar *Tamarix ramosissima*
>
> Tree of Heaven *Ailanthus altissima*
>
> White horsenettle *Solanum elaegnifolium*
>
> Yellow starthistle *Centaurea solstitialis*

Saharan mustard is rapidly spreading throughout the Mojave Desert, and
Saltcedar continues to adversely affect hydrology and displace native
vegetation in riparian areas; therefore, these two species are the focus
of initial control actions for the MWMA. However, weed control
activities are not limited to only species on the target list. The list
will be used to help prioritize weed projects, and may be modified as
needed.

II\. [Purpose]{.underline}.

> The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to establish the
> Mojave Weed Management Area (MWMA) to facilitate the cooperation and
> coordination necessary to prevent and control noxious weeds throughout
> the Mojave Desert in California. The emphasis of MWMA activities shall
> be on the exclusion, detection, eradication, and suppression of
> noxious weeds. The priority of control and eradication efforts shall
> concentrate on the species listed as noxious weeds by the California
> Department of Food and Agriculture and other species of local
> significance as they are identified. The signatory agencies and
> organizations will cooperate in developing coordinated work plans and
> seeking funds to support the activities of the Mojave Weed Management
> Area. In addition, public education on noxious weed identification,
> prevention, and control will be a primary goal of the MWMA.

III. [Authority]{.underline}. SB 1740 funding is administered through
     the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Pest
     Control Branch. The mission of the Statewide Weed Management Area
     Funding Program is to demonstrate the power of local cooperative
     action in: 1) stopping the spread of noxious weeds on public and
     private lands; 2) eradicating and controlling weeds in a strategic
     and prioritized fashion; 3) educating people at all levels about
     the need and opportunities to control weeds. SB 1740 specifies that
     funding shall go to WMAs for integrated weed management, and to
     begin to survey and document weed locations, and to begin to
     establish a local weed GIS. The goal is to prevent the reproduction
     and spread of weeds into and within the WMA.

IV. [Parties]{.underline}.

This memorandum of understanding is made and entered into by: Bureau of
Land Management -- California Desert District, Mojave Desert Ecosystem
Program, Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Death
Valley National Park, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Mojave
Desert Resource Conservation District, Mojave Desert-Mountain Resource
Conservation & Development Council, Mojave Water Agency, San Bernardino
County Farm Bureau, San Bernardino National Forest, University of
California Cooperative Extension, USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service, US Geological Survey, California State Parks, Edwards Air Force
Base, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, National Training Center --
Fort Irwin, California Department of Fish and Game, California
Department of Transportation, the Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program, the
Marine Corps Logistics Base - Barstow, and the US Fish and Wildlife
Service.

V. [Agreement]{.underline}.

It is mutually agreed upon and understood by and between the said
parties that:

A.  All partners will meet as needed for the purpose of developing,
    documenting, and implementing a long-range plan to control and
    suppress or eradicate noxious weed infestations within the Mojave
    Weed Management Area.

B.  During these meetings, annually identify and document a coordinated
    plan using the agreed upon methods of controlling noxious weeds.

C.  Partners will seek and support funding for MWMA programs, resources,
    and other requirements for implementing the collaborative programs
    and activities as necessary. The represented entities will not have
    the resources to support all these activities from their own
    budgets; therefore, partners will jointly and individually seek
    funding and support from other sources. Insofar as it is compatible
    with each agency\'s primary mission and statutory responsibilities,
    all parties shall use their best efforts to secure the funding
    needed to carry out MWMA-approved projects. Each project that
    requires specific funding to be implemented shall be the subject of
    a separate project-specific agreement between the agencies
    responsible for its funding and implementation.

D.  Partners will share data and information on the distribution of
    noxious weeds and methods of control for dissemination to all
    partners through a centralized database and website.

E.  The Bureau of Land Management will:

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Identify and map noxious weed infestations on public lands.

3.  Promote the prevention and control of noxious weeds on public lands.

4.  Support and assist other agencies and interested parties in noxious
    weed prevention and control.

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F.  The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Edwards Air Force base,
    the National Training Center -- Fort Irwin, China Lake NAWS, and the
    MCLB-Barstow will:

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1.  Educate the installation personnel and visiting groups about noxious
    weeds, their identification, prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Identify and map noxious weed infestations on military lands.

3.  Promote the prevention and control of noxious weeds on military
    lands.

4.  Support and assist other agencies and interested parties in noxious
    weed prevention and control to the extent possible.

> G. The Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District will:

1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Maintain a GIS for exotic weed mapping efforts within the MWMA.

3.  In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
    provide recommendations and planting specifications for the
    revegetation of disturbed and/or chemically treated areas.

4.  Advocate for more sophisticated management strategies by agencies
    with weed management responsibilities.

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H.  The Mojave Desert-Mountain Resource Conservation & Development
    Council will:

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1.  Provide coordination and information on regional issues related to
    noxious weed control.

2.  Support the Mojave WMA's efforts in control and prevention of
    noxious weeds.

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I.  The Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua
    Tree National Park will:

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Promote the control and treatment of noxious weeds on NPS lands.

3.  Support and assist other agencies and interested parties in noxious
    weed prevention and control.

4.  Identify and map all noxious weed infestations on NPS lands.

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J.  The Mojave Water Agency will:

K.  The San Bernardino County Farm Bureau will:

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Promote the control and prevention of noxious weeds on private land.

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L.  The San Bernardino National Forest will:

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Promote the control and treatment of noxious weeds on federal lands.

3.  Support and assist other agencies and interested parties in noxious
    weed prevention and control.

4.  Identify and map all noxious weed infestations on National Forest
    system lands in and adjacent to the Mojave Desert.

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M.  The University of California Cooperative Extension Unit will:

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control through development and
    distribution of publications, conducting educational workshops, and
    field consultations with land managers.

2.  Promote the control and prevention of noxious weeds on private land
    through extension of research-based information on noxious weed
    control.

3.  Conduct and/or report upon applied research on noxious weed control
    to test management strategies including prescribed burning, approved
    herbicides, grazing, mowing, hand removal, and competitive
    vegetation.

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N.  The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will:

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1.  Work with the Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District (MDRCD)
    to educate and assist landowners with the management of sensitive
    areas that may be prone to noxious weed infestation.

2.  Utilize the appropriate Soil Survey of San Bernardino County Mojave
    River Area, California, in correlating noxious weed areas within the
    MWMA with soil series to determine connections.

3.  Support the MDRCD's role in providing educational workshops on the
    management and vegetative control of sensitive areas.

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O.  The US Geological Survey will:

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1.  Assist in designing scientifically sound weed control studies and
    control efforts

2.  Conduct applied research on factors contributing to the spread of
    noxious weeds and the most effective methods for controlling noxious
    weeds, including prescribed burning, approved herbicides, grazing,
    mowing, hand removal, and biological controls.

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P.  The Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program will:

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1.  Develop and maintain the MWMA website and list server as a link on
    the CDFA's Weed Management Area website to facilitate communication
    and dissemination of information related to the MWMA

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Q.  The California State Parks (Mojave Sector)

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1.  Educate the public about noxious weeds, their identification,
    prevention, and methods of control.

2.  Promote the control and treatment of noxious weeds on Park lands.

3.  Support and assist other agencies and interested parties in noxious
    weed prevention and control.

4.  Identify and map all noxious weed infestations on Park lands.

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R.  The California Department of Transportation will:

S.  The California Department of Fish and Game will:

T.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will:

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V.  [Termination]{.underline}. Any partner(s) may, in writing, terminate
    their participation in this instrument in whole, or in part, at any
    time before the date of expiration. This agreement may be terminated
    by majority and the MWMA thereby disbanded. In the event of
    termination, each party will assume financial and other
    responsibilities for the completion of required and agreed upon
    activities or such responsibilities must be modified by mutual
    written agreement.

VII . [Participation in Similar Activities]{.underline}. This instrument
in no way restricts the cooperators from

participating in similar activities with other public or private
agencies, organizations, and

individuals.

VIII. [Effective Date]{.underline}. This instrument is executed as of
      the last date shown below and expires on

December 31, 2004 at which time it will be subject to review, renewal,
or expiration.

XI\. [Principal Contacts]{.underline}:

> Anthony Chavez
>
> Bureau of Land Management
>
> 2601 Barstow Road
>
> Barstow, CA 92311
>
> Jane Rodgers
>
> Joshua Tree National Park
>
> 74485 National Park Drive
>
> 29 Palms, CA 92277
>
> Rhys Evans
>
> Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
>
> Bldg 1451, Box 788110
>
> 29 Palms, CA 92278
>
> Val Page
>
> Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District
>
> 17330 Bear Valley Road, Suite 106
>
> Victorville, CA 92392
>
> Pete Lounsbury
>
> Mojave Desert-Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council
>
> 1525 North Norma Street, Suite C
>
> Ridgecrest, CA 93555
>
> Monique Kolster
>
> Mojave National Preserve
>
> 222 East Main Street, Suite 202
>
> Barstow, CA 92311
>
> Norman Caouette
>
> Mojave Water Agency
>
> PO Box 1089
>
> Apple Valley, CA 92307
>
> Rachael Scott
>
> San Bernardino County Farm Bureau
>
> 210 South Riverside Avenue
>
> Rialto, CA 92376
>
> Melody Lardner
>
> San Bernardino National Forest
>
> 1824 South Commercenter Circle
>
> San Bernardino, CA 92408
>
> Karl McArthur
>
> UC Cooperative Extension
>
> San Bernardino
>
> Rick Aguayo
>
> USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
>
> 17330 Bear Valley Road, Suite 106
>
> Victorville, CA 92392
>
> Matt Brooks
>
> US Geological Survey
>
> 6770 South Paradise Road
>
> Las Vegas, NV 89119
>
> Edwards AFB
>
> NTC -- Fort Irwin
>
> China Lake NAWS
>
> MCLB -- Barstow
>
> Death Valley National Park
>
> Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program
>
> California State Parks (Mojave Sector)
>
> California Department of Transportation
>
> California Department of Fish & Game
>
> US Fish & Wildlife Service

IX. [Non-Fund Obligating Document]{.underline}. This instrument is
    neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor
    involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the
    partners to this instrument will be handled in accordance with
    applicable laws, regulations, and procedure including those for
    procurement and printing. Such endeavors will 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. Specifically, this instrument does not
    establish authority for noncompetitive 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.

X.  [Modification]{.underline}. Modifications within the scope of this
    instrument shall be made by the issuance of a bilaterally executed
    modification prior to any changes being performed.

XI. Each principal party shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless each
    of the other principal parties, their officers, employees, and
    agents from any and all liability, loss, expense (including
    reasonable attorneys' fees) or claims for injury or damages arising
    out of the performance of this MOU, but only in proportion to and to
    the extent that such liability, loss, expense, attorneys' fees, or
    claims for injury or damages are caused by or result from the
    negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the indemnifying
    principal parties, their officers, agents, or employees.

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VI. [Effective Date]{.underline}.

> This Memorandum of Understanding may be executed in counterparts, all
> of which together shall constitute a fully executed instrument. In
> witness thereof, the partners hereto have executed this agreement as
> of the written date below.
>
> Larry Foreman (Title) Date
>
> Bureau of Land Management
>
> Ernest Quintana, Superintendent Date
>
> Joshua Tree National Park
>
> (Title) Date
>
> Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
>
> MaryAnn Salyards, President Date
>
> Mojave Desert Resource Conservation District
>
> J. Peter Lounsbury, President Date
>
> Mojave Desert-Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council

Larry Whalon, Superintendent Date

> Mojave National Preserve

(Title) Date

> Death Valley National Park
>
> Kirby Brill, General Manager Date
>
> Mojave Water Agency
>
> (Title) Date
>
> San Bernardino County Farm Bureau
>
> Forest Supervisor Date
>
> San Bernardino National Forest
>
> (Title) Date
>
> UC Cooperative Extension
>
> (Title) Date
>
> USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
>
> Director, WERC Date
>
> US Geological Survey
>
> (Title) Date
>
> NTC, Fort Irwin
>
> (Title) Date
>
> China Lakes NAWS
>
> (Title) Date
>
> MCLB Barstow
>
> (Title) Date
>
> Edwards AFB
>
> (Title) Date
>
> California Department of Transportation
>
> (Title) Date
>
> California State Parks
>
> (Title) Date
>
> California Department of Fish & Game
>
> (Title) Date
>
> US Fish & Wildlife Service
>
> (Title) Date
>
> Mojave Desert Ecosystem Program