The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals for watershed restoration projects on the Oregon coast and lower Columbia River. Approximately $250,000 will be granted through the Oregon Coastal Program to restore, assess, and educate about coastal watersheds and sensitive species within them. Up to $25,000 can be available to each accepted project, with a minimum cost-share requirement of 25 percent.
Applicants are required to complete a brief pre-proposal project description, including objectives and location, which must be received by the Fish and Wildlife Service by March 26, 2004. Applicants will be contacted to schedule a field review if their pre-proposal meets the initial eligibility requirements.
Cost shares may be a combination of financial and in-kind contributions from federal, state, local and private funding sources, but cannot be matched with any other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding. Eligible in-kind cost share types include those services such as labor, use of equipment, surveying, or other contributions that would otherwise require funds.
Some of the broad types of projects which may be eligible for these funds include:
; restoring tidal flow to estuarine wetlands,
; outreach and educational activities focused on coastal ecosystems,
; restoring coastal habitats that support federally listed species, or species of concern,
; restoring fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.
Learn more about fish passage , and
; controlling non-native species.
A few examples of types of projects which are not eligible for these funds are:
; l1 level1 lfo2 cross fencing for pasture management,
; l1 level1 lfo2 penalties due to non-compliance with various laws,
; l1 level1 lfo2 cleanup of contaminant sites, and
; l1 level1 lfo2 coastal bluff or stream bank protection,
The Oregon Coastal Program works with private landowners; tribes; non-governmental organizations such as community groups; and federal, state or local agencies. The program promotes the health and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat in coastal watersheds through projects that directly improve habitat, public outreach and education, developing partnerships and community support, and fish and wildlife monitoring and assessment.
Fish and Wildlife Service biologists provide technical assistance for developing proposals, and can be contacted for guidance and answers to questions regarding project pre-proposals and final applications. They work with applicants to provide technical assistance, conduct site visits to each project location, and determine if projects are eligible for funding. Project sponsors are expected to plan projects, coordinate with landowners and partners and complete all project management. For assistance or answers to other questions, contact Mary Holbert at the agency
