A few of the fiscal year 99 projects include: a camp for Native children of the Aleutian Chain; an outreach opportunity for on-site resource interpretation; a loon conservation program in southcentral Alaska; a Yukon Flats cleanup program; and a trail improvement project on the Kenai Peninsula. Some of the Services partners include: various Alaska Native organizations; the Girl Scouts of America; ARCO Alaska, Inc.; Alaska Natural History Association; several divisions of State government; and the Alaska Marine Highway.
Each year the Service builds partnerships and provides funding support for a wide range of projects through a process called the Challenge Cost-Share Program. The Program provides opportunities for partners to become involved by matching funds with the Service for projects that support management, restoration and protection of natural resources.
Under the established guidelines, the Service (on a Regional level) provides up to 50 percent of the cost for qualifying projects and the partners/cooperators provide no less than 50 percent. Partners may provide their share of the cost in the form of cash, materials, equipment, land, water or other qualifying in-kind services. The partners list always includes state, local and private entities.
In 1998, the Service in Alaska matched funds for 36 projects around the State, and provided approximately $500,000. For individuals or groups interested in learning more about the Challenge Cost-Share Program, contact Dr. William Kirk with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (907) 786-3391 or send an E-mail to bill_kirk@fws.gov">.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish
and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System comprised of more than 500
national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state wildlife agencies.
FWS
For further information contact: Connie M.J. Barclay at (907) 786-3695
