*RFP* Keya Wakpala Ecological Inventory Assessment

Request for Proposals

Keya Wakpala Ecological Inventory Assessment

Issued by: Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO)

Support Partner: World Wildlife Fund (WWF) — advisory only

1. Introduction

The Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) invites qualified ecological consultants tosubmit proposals to conduct a high-level Ecological Inventory Assessment of the 590-acre Keya WakpalaWoicageyapi site, located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. This assessment will provideessential ecological inputs to the Growing Sicangu Planning Document, a tribally led planning effort funded through the America the Beautiful Challenge. The purpose of this work is to support community-drivenrestoration, trail planning, invasive species removal, and culturally grounded planting initiatives that enhance prairie and wetland ecosystems.

2. Background

Keya Wakpala Woicageyapi is a regenerative development project rooted in the Sicangu Lakota Oyate’s Seven Generation Vision. The site includes prairie, wetland, and riparian habitats and is undergoing thoughtful, community-guided planning to strengthen ecological health, expand public access to nature, and support Lakota cultural revitalization, food sovereignty, and outdoor education.The America the Beautiful grant supports planning activities such as identifying invasive species, mapping native plant communities, locating sensitive habitats, and preparing for trail and planting projects. This RFP seeks an ecological consultant to gather and synthesize the ecological information necessary to inform the Growing Sicangu Planning Document.

3. Project Goals

The selected consultant will help REDCO:

1. Identify and map invasive plant species across the site.

2. Identify native plant communities and opportunities for traditional foods and medicinal plant restoration.

3. Document high-level habitat features, including areas potentially suitable for Federally Endangered species known in Todd County.

4. Identify sensitive ecological areas, including general wetland and high-quality prairie zones, to guide future trail and recreational planning.

5. Provide ecological recommendations and maps that integrate directly into the Growing Sicangu Planning Document.

This work is intended to be practical, community-centered, and aligned with the grant’s scope—not a comprehensive biological inventory or formal regulatory assessment.

4. Scope of Work

Task 1: Project Initiation & Work Plan

-Participate in a kickoff meeting with REDCO and partners.

-Review existing site plans and project materials.

-Prepare a concise Assessment Work Plan outlining field visits, methods, and deliverables.

Task 2: Ecological Site Assessment

A. Vegetation & Plant Community Assessment

-Identify and map invasive plant species across prairie and wetland areas.

-Document general native plant communities.

-Identify potential planting zones for culturally significant species (traditional foods, medicines, native grasses).

B. Sensitive Habitat Identification

-Identify areas with ecological sensitivity, including prairie patches, riparian features, and general wetland zones.

-Note high-level wildlife activity and habitat features, with particular attention to species of concern listed in the America the Beautiful grant.

-Note potential wildlife movement corridors and opportunities for habitat connectivity

C. Wetland & Hydrologic Sensitivity

-Identify and map general wetland or hydrologically sensitive areas based on field observation and visible indicators.

-Provide recommendations to avoid disturbance during future trail routing.

Task 3: Recommendations for Restoration & Stewardship

-Create Invasive Species Removal Action Plan and provide practical recommendations for native planting, habitat protection, and restoration zones.

-Integrate best practices and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge shared through REDCO and partners.

-Identify opportunities for community-led stewardship and volunteer involvement.

Task 4: Mapping & Data Preparation

-Produce simple, clear maps (PDF + GIS preferred) showing:

○ Invasive species locations

○ Sensitive ecological zones

○ Potential planting areas

○ General habitat considerations

-Provide geospatial data compatible with REDCO’s planning system.

Task 5: Ecological Inputs Package (Single Deliverable)

Prepare one consolidated deliverable containing:

○ A short written ecological summary

○ Maps and GIS layers

○ Invasive Species Removal Action Plan

○ Priority recommendations

○ A 1–2 page summary designed for direct insertion into the Growing Sicangu Planning Document

○ Brief presentation to REDCO staff, stakeholders, and advisory partners

5. Deliverables

1. Assessment Work Plan

2. Ecological Inputs Package (including maps, recommendations, GIS files, and summary text)

3. One stakeholder presentation

These three components fulfill the ecological requirements of the America the Beautiful grant.

6. Timeline

Estimated duration: 3–6 months, depending on seasonality and field access. Consultants may propose alternative timelines with justification.

7. Budget

REDCO anticipates awarding a contract in the range of $60,000, inclusive of labor, travel, materials, and all expenses.

8. Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

-Organization background and qualifications

-Relevant project experience, especially in prairie/wetland ecosystems or tribal partnerships

-Proposed approach and methodology

-Timeline and staffing plan

-Detailed budget

-Three references

-Optional: sample maps or deliverables from similar work

9. Evaluation Criteria

-Understanding of Indigenous-led conservation and community-driven planning

-Relevant ecological experience

-Clarity and feasibility of methods

-Quality of past work

-Budget realism

-Ability to integrate Indigenous perspectives and respect local cultural knowledge

** All questions and proposals in response to this scope of work can be emailed to Lisa White Hat (lisa.w@sicangu.co) by January 16, 2026