UPPER COLUMBIA PARTNERS PROGRAM
The goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is to work with private, Tribal and municipal landowners who want to voluntarily restore fish, wildlife and plant habitat on their lands. The program provides cost-share funding and technical assistance to these landowners.
The Upper Columbia Partners Program is administered out of the Service’s Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Offices in Spokane and Wenatchee, WA. The program’s focus is on improvement of wetland, riparian, stream, sagebrush, and grassland habitat to benefit migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and other sensitive species.
ELIGIBLE LANDOWNERS
Private landowners, Native American Tribes, corporations, schools, counties, cities, non-profits and other groups.
Projects on federal and state lands are not eligible.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Projects are selected based on their benefits to wetland, riparian, stream, sagebrush and grassland habitats for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species, and sensitive species within five focus areas and surrounding 4 National Wildlife Refuges.
Project selection is at the local level based on priorities identified in the program strategy.
Partners Program funds may not be used on projects being implemented for mitigation purposes under any federal or state regulatory program.
PROGRAM APPLICATION
Landowners can request assistance at anytime during the year. Simply contact the local Partners Program representative in Spokane or Wenatchee.
Service personnel will help the landowner develop a project proposal and the necessary application material including an agreement between the landowner and the Service.
PROGRAM PAYMENTS
Landowners receive reimbursement for the Service’s portion of the project after the work is completed.
A 50:50 cost-share ratio is targeted, however some flexibility is allowed.
The Partners Program can contribute up to $25,000 in cost-share funds per project or phase.
PROGRAM FUNDING
Over the past several years, the Upper Columbia Partners Program has received approximately $180,000 per year for on-the-ground projects.
PARTNERSHIPS: CAN OTHERS CONTRIBUTE?
The Partners Program can cost-share with anyone to help finance a restoration project. Funding can come from landowners, other federal agencies, state and local agencies, conservation districts, and non-governmental groups.
Cost-share funding from others can be “in-kind” or cash.
Federal, state, and local governmental agencies or private organizations can act as intermediaries for the Service in arranging and carrying out restoration projects by entering into Cooperative Agreements with the Service.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Juliet Barenti, Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office, 11103 East Montgomery Drive, Spokane, WA 99206, 509-893-8005 or juliet_barenti@fws.gov.
