Thursday, February 21, 2008

Great Lakes Fish And Wildlife Restoration Grants

Feb 15: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is seeking pre-proposals for projects to restore Great Lakes fish and wildlife resources through its Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Grants Program. The program provides Federal grants on a competitive basis to states, tribes and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources and their habitats in the Great Lakes basin. Projects are funded under authority of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2006.

Since 1998, 72 restoration projects totaling $6.6 million, including $3.9 million in Federal funds, have been implemented. FWS contributes up to 75 percent of the cost of the projects, with matching funds and expertise coming from partner organizations. To date, more than 60 organizations have participated in projects funded under the act. States, Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments and Native American treaty organizations within the Great Lakes basin are eligible to apply for the funding. Non-government and conservation organizations may also receive funding, if sponsored by an organization listed above; however, sponsorship is not required at the pre-proposal stage. Applicants must submit their pre-proposals to FWS by March 28, 2008.

Access a release from FWS (
click here). Access a request for proposals, instructions for submitting pre-proposals and complete background information (click here).