[ODF_Private_Forests] Governor's Fund grants available

[WEEKS Kevin]

ODF Private Forests News list members:
This news release about conservation and restoration grant opportunities is forwarded at the request of the Governor's Office.

Kevin Weeks
ODF Agency Affairs / Private Forests Division
(503) 945-7427
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

NEWS RELEASE

September 3, 2008

Contact: Krystyna Wolniakowski, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, 503-702-0245
              Lee Folliard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 503-231-6179

Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment Grants Available
For Restoration Projects
Court settlements with polluters benefit fish and wildlife



The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the availability of grants through the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment. Pre-proposals for conservation and restoration projects are due by Oct. 24, 2008.

“We are inviting pre-proposals requesting funds from $5,000 to $50,000 and priority will be given to projects that improve conservation on private lands through incentive programs for private landowners,” said Krystyna Wolniakowski, Director of the Foundation’s Western Partnership Office.

Application guidelines are available at http://www.nfwf.org/orgovfund

“These funds are an opportunity to implement ecosystem conservation measures and make significant contributions to protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and habitat resources in Oregon,” said Ren Lohoefener, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Region..

 A $2 million court settlement with an international shipping company resulted in the creation of the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment, which is a sustained granting program to benefit Oregon’s rivers and streams.  The grant program makes up to $300,000 a year available for projects that will restore the quality of Oregon’s rivers and associated fish, wildlife and plants.  The people living in or near such habitats are intended to be the beneficiaries of the fund, on behalf of the habitats and their species.  Continuing on the progress of the first three years of this grant program, which focused on the Willamette River basin, the fourth year of funding now available will also help finance projects in the Willamette region that meet the following purposes established in the settlement agreement:

       Develop and implement strategies to eliminate and/or reduce pollution and otherwise restore the quality of Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas;
       Restore and conserve fish, wildlife and plant resources critical to Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas;
       Identify continuing sources of pollution of Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas; and
       Improve state and local criminal enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws intended to protect Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas.

Projects that could be funded through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) are not encouraged; however, projects that would fund an outreach, education and/or technical assistance component for an OWEB-funded project will be considered.  During this fourth round, priority consideration will be given to projects that request funds to:

       Provide technical assistance to private landowners to address environmental issues. Technical assistance may include conducting landowner workshops, community meetings and/or direct meetings with landowners.  Specific projects could include engagement of landowners in pollution reduction or prevention efforts, toxic use reduction or abatement efforts and pesticide collection efforts.

       Provide technical assistance to small municipal governments to address non-point source water quality issues.  Specific projects could include development of TMDL implementation plans and non-point source abatement plans, design and implementation of sustainable stormwater management approaches and development and design of non-point source reduction projects.

       Encourage participation and additional enrollment in landowner incentive programs available through the Farm Bill (such as CREP, WRP etc) or other similar state and federal programs.

       Provide public awareness through outreach and education on the significance of aquatic resources and the importance of environmental laws to protect those resources.  Specific projects could include outreach and/or education about the causes and consequences of non-point source and point source pollution.

       Develop landowner involvement and designs for projects that would increase floodplain connectivity and channel complexity for the mainstem Willamette River.  Projects that are consistent with the Special Investment Partnership of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board or the Willamette River Basin Restoration Initiative of the Meyer Memorial Trust will be given priority consideration.

Pre-proposals should be submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Pre-proposals will be evaluated and ranked in November 2008. The strongest projects will be invited to submit full proposals due in December 2008.  Full proposal applicants will be notified of grant awards by April 2009, with funds available for projects shortly thereafter.  Approved projects should be completed within two years.

The ranking and selection of projects will include consideration of each project’s relevance to the program purposes stated above, quantifiable and measurable long term benefits to fish, wildlife and/or habitat and inclusion of partners and volunteers.  Projects should define outcomes and successes clearly, employ creative and innovative methodology and replicate previous successes in new geographical areas.  Successful proposals will demonstrate minimized administrative costs and maximized conservation investment.

Those who may apply for grants include non-profit conservation organizations, watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, tribes, schools, local, state and federal government agencies and other special districts.

Grant funds may not be used for political advocacy, litigation expenses, terrorist activities, legally required mitigation, equipment purchases not primarily related to the direct completion of the project, improvement of natural resources for commercial or private profit, required habitat Conservation Plan activities, indirect general administrative and overhead costs, website development, or videos.

While matching funds are not required, applicants are encouraged to include them where possible.  These matching funds can come from federal and non-federal sources, cash or in-kind contributions.

Applicants should log onto the Foundation’s website: www.nfwf.org, go to Special Grant Programs, select the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment and use the online process to submit a pre-proposal. The Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment program webpage can also be found at http://www.nfwf.org/orgovfund.

A nonprofit established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the Nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats.  Through leadership conservation investments with public and private partners, NFWF is dedicated to achieving maximum conservation impact by developing and applying best practices and innovative methods for measurable outcomes.  Since its establishment, NFWF has awarded nearly 10,500 grants to over 3,000 organizations in the United States and abroad and leveraged – with its partners – nearly $600 million in federal funds into more than $1.4 billion for on-the-ground conservation.  For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

###