Grant Funding Available for Community-based Habitat Restoration Projects
OutdoorHub 03.06.12
The FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association, has funds available for marine and anadromous sportfish habitat restoration projects throughout coastal America, the Great Lakes region, and all U.S. Territories through its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Restoration Center.
These grants will be awarded to community-based habitat restoration projects to restore marine, estuarine and riparian habitats and freshwater habitats, including projects such as salt marshes and mangrove forests. These projects are important to anadromous fish species such as salmon and striped bass that spawn in freshwater and migrate to the sea. Projects in the Great Lakes must restore habitat for diadromous sportfish such as lake sturgeon, walleye and brook trout in the Great Lakes and applicable tributaries. Projects that will benefit both sportfish and threatened and endangered fish species under NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service’s jurisdiction may receive additional consideration.
The FishAmerica Foundation will accept grant proposals through April 30, 2012. Grants of up to $75,000 each will be awarded in the fall of 2012. Anticipated awards are contingent on the provision of federal funding to the FishAmerica Foundation.
Eligible applicants include community-based, nonprofit organizations, such as sporting clubs and conservation associations, as well as state and local agencies. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with NOAA’s regional offices and other staff to develop and implement the restoration projects. The announcement and full grant package information are available at www.FishAmerica.org.
Since 1998, FishAmerica and NOAA Restoration Center have invested in more than 270 projects, leveraging $6 million in funds into more than $14 million in vital fisheries habitat conservation in 25 states.
