July 23, 2012
Contact: Kim Betton, 703-358-2081, Kim_Betton@fws.gov
Service, Partners to Provide More Than $12 Million to Improve Fish Habitat Nationwide;
Nearly $1 Million for Projects in California and Nevada
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will provide $3.3 million to fund 90 projects that will help protect, restore and enhance stream, lake and coastal habitat in 29 states. This funding will be matched by $9.33 million in contributions by non-governmental organizations, state resource agencies, and other partners.
The cost-shared projects address the priorities of 18 Fish Habitat Partnerships (FHPs) recognized under the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). FHPs are the primary work units of the NFHP and are made up of partners from various state, federal, tribal, NGOs, and industry partners that share overlapping conservation goals and objectives. For the complete listing of 2012 funded projects please visit http://www.fishhabitat.org/images/2012_FWS_FHP/2012_fhp_projects.pdf
"The Fish Habitat Partnerships have been a valuable resource for restoring and protecting fish habitat across the nation,” said Director Dan Ashe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “They bring together partners who voluntarily commit to improving, restoring and protecting aquatic habitat. We are grateful for the support that helps with conservation and restoration initiatives."
Since the NFHP was initiated in 2006, the Service’s Fisheries program has provided $16 million for 341 Fish Habitat Partnership related projects in 46 states, matched by $39.7 million from partners. The Partnership is an unprecedented attempt to address an unseen crisis for fish nationwide – loss and degradation of aquatic habitat. The partnership effort is prominent in making a difference through voluntary, non-regulatory conservation actions. In addition, a subset of 41 projects will target climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change adaptation in habitats that support species vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
“The work and growth of these partnerships has been incredible,” said Kelly Hepler, chairman, National Fish Habitat Board. “The on-the-ground work of our partnerships is at a critical stage for aquatic communities across the country. We will work together with our partners to ensure these projects will truly make a difference as our past projects have shown.”
For more information on the National Fish Habitat Partnership visit www.fishhabitat.org and connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NFHAP.
About the National Fish Habitat Partnership:
The National Fish Habitat Partnership works to conserve fish habitat nationwide, leveraging federal, state, and private funding sources to achieve the greatest impact on fish populations through priority conservation projects. The national partnership implements the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and supports 18 regional grassroots partner organizations.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 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. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq
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