[ODF_Private_Forests] Oregon NRCS Funding for Wetland Protection and Habitat Improvement

[WEEKS Kevin]

This message is forwarded on behalf of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Kevin Weeks
Oregon Department of Forestry

[cid:image002.jpg at 01CCDC34.AF3B2200]               News Release
           United States Department of Agriculture * Natural Resources Conservation Service
         1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 900, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 900, Portland, OR 97204
                                                           www.or.nrcs.usda.gov<file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\sara.magenheimer\Local%20Settings\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\sara.magenheimer\Local%20Settings\Local%20Settings\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\OLKC2\www.or.nrcs.usda.gov>


Release No.  2012.01-002

CONTACT:
Loren Unruh, State Programs Leader, (503) 414-3235, loren.unruh at or.usda.gov<mailto:loren.unruh at or.usda.gov>
Sara Magenheimer, State Public Affairs Officer, (503) 414-3250, sara.magenheimer at or.usda.gov<mailto:sara.magenheimer at or.usda.gov>
NRCS Funding Available for Wetland Protection and
Habitat Improvement Projects in Oregon
Proposals due on or before February 10, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 23, 2012) - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oregon State Conservationist Ron Alvarado today announced a funding opportunity for wetland protection, restoration and enhancement activities on eligible lands in Oregon. Proposals for projects are due by Feb. 10, 2012.  Funding comes through the agency's Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP)<http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrep/index.html>, with up to $17 million available nationwide.

"This is a great opportunity for Oregon stakeholders to carry out high-priority wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat," Alvarado said. "WREP is an important conservation tool for our Oregon partners and I encourage eligible organizations to apply."

WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations and tribes, as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  WREP is a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)<http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/index.html> through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat.

Benefits to partners in WREP agreements include:
*   Wetland Restoration in high-priority areas;
*   The ability to cost-share restoration or enhancement components beyond those required by NRCS;
*   Participating in management or monitoring of selected project locations; and
*   Opportunities to use innovative restoration methods and practices.

Eligible partners may submit general WREP proposals for individual, watershed-wide or larger geographical area projects. WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.

Oregon NRCS will use a competitive process to evaluate the proposals. Recommended proposals will then be competed nationally for final selection and funding.

To submit a proposal or receive information about General WREP, visit http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrep/index.html or contact Loren Unruh, State Programs Leader, (503) 414-3235, loren.unruh at or.usda.gov<mailto:loren.unruh at or.usda.gov>.  WREP proposals submitted by fax or through Grants.gov will not be accepted.

For more information about NRCS and other programs, visit http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/.

###

Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS<http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/> has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges.  The NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in
productive lands and healthy ecosystems.
________________________________________________________________________

NRCS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C.  20250-9410
or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
Local contact information is located in the telephone book under the federal government listing or can be found online at:  www.or.nrcs.usda.gov<http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov>.


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