FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
October 14, 2011
Contact: Caroline Prose, (916) 414-6575
$3 Million in Grants Available to Help Protect, Restore, and Enhance Special Status Species
and Their Habitats
Opportunities Focus on Imperiled Species in the Central Valley of California
SACRAMENTO -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are announcing the availability of $3 million in grants between now and December 9. These are funded by the Fiscal Year 2012 Central Valley Project Conservation Program (CVPCP), and Central Valley Project Improvement Act Habitat Restoration Program (CVPIA HRP). A main objective of these two programs is to improve conditions for federally imperiled species, and their habitats, impacted by the Central Valley Project. Operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Central Valley Project (CVP) is one of the world’s largest water storage and transport systems.
The grants continue 17 years of funding projects. This year, four categories of projects will be funded: land acquisition (fee title and conservation easement conservation easement
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency or qualified conservation organization that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on a property in the future. Conservation easements aim to protect habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife by limiting residential, industrial or commercial development. Contracts may prohibit alteration of the natural topography, conversion of native grassland to cropland, drainage of wetland and establishment of game farms. Easement land remains in private ownership.
Learn more about conservation easement ); habitat restoration; research; and captive breeding.
The CVPCP and CVPIA HRP have established 18 priority actions related to CVP-impacted species, their habitats, and corresponding geographic areas. Each of these priority actions is supported by a threatened or endangered species recovery plan that provides strategies and guidance as to how the imperiled species could be restored to a healthy and viable status. Applicants are requested to submit proposals on these priority actions.
Instructions for submitting a proposal, as well as background information on the programs, are found at www.grants.gov. More specific information for applicants is available in the funding opportunity application: http://go.usa.gov/9P2
Additional information about the CVPCP and HRP can be found at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvpcp/
The grant programs are open to state and local government agencies; private profit and non-profit organizations; individuals; and educational institutions. Applications for grants will close on December 9, 2011.
-- FWS --
The mission of the 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
