[ODFW-News] Restoration Grant Applications for Willamette R Being Accepted

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife =09
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356=09
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
=09
For Immediate Release	Thursday, March 13, 2003

Restoration Grant Applications for Willamette River
Being Accepted

PORTLAND - Funding proposals for are being accepted for Willamette River =
and riparian area restoration to improve river function and increase =
habitat for native species. Applications are due April 1, 2003. About =
$15,000 is available during this funding cycle.

Money for the projects comes from a mitigation fund established in 1995 to =
which gravel mining operators in the Willamette River contribute. The U.S. =
Army Corps of Engineers initiated a collaborative planning effort in 1995 =
with NOAA Fisheries, ODFW, Division of State Lands and the Oregon Concrete =
and Aggregate Producers Association. The entities work together to make =
grant award decisions.=20

The consensus-based group established the mitigation requirement for =
ongoing sand and gravel removal operations within the beds and banks of =
the Willamette River. Monetary contributions must be made to the mitigation=
 fund based on cubic yards of sand or gravel removed. The revenue =
collected is used for projects aimed at understanding and restoring river =
function to promote enhancement of native species. Individuals interested =
in donating to the fund may call the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation =
at 503-255-6059.

Grant applications are available at ODFW's Portland office and on the ODFW =
Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us. For more information, call: Don Borda, =
Corp of Engineers, 503-808-4380; Anne Mullan, NOAA Fisheries, 503-231-6276;=
 Lori Warner, DSL, 503-378-3805; or Patty Snow, ODFW, 503-872-5255, Ext. =
5593.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5528