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August 31, 2009

Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment Grants Available For Restoration Projects

Court settlements with polluters will benefit fish and wildlife

PORTLAND, Ore. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the availability of grants through the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment. Pre-proposals for conservation and restoration projects are due by October 9, 2009.

Those who may apply for grants include non-profit conservation organizations, watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, tribes, schools, local, state and federal government agencies and other special districts.

“We are inviting pre-proposals requesting funds from $5,000 to $50,000 and priority will be given to projects that improve conservation on private lands through incentive programs for private landowners,” said Krystyna Wolniakowski, Director of the Foundation’s Western Partnership Office.

“These funds are an opportunity to implement ecosystem conservation measures and make significant contributions to protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and habitat resources in Oregon,” said Robyn Thorson, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Region.

Application guidelines are available at www.nfwf.org/orgovfund.

A $2 million court settlement with an international shipping company resulted in the creation of the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment, which is a sustained granting program to benefit Oregon’s rivers and streams. The grant program makes up to $300,000 a year available for projects that will restore the quality of Oregon’s rivers and associated fish, wildlife and plants. The people living in or near such habitats are intended to be the beneficiaries of the fund, on behalf of the habitats and their species. Continuing on the progress of the first four years of this grant program, which focused on the Willamette River basin, the fifth year of funding will continue to help finance projects occurring in the Willamette region while expanding eligible areas to include the John Day River Basin and Oregon Coast that meet the following purposes established in the settlement agreement:

• Develop and implement strategies to eliminate and/or reduce pollution and otherwise restore the quality of Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas;
• Restore and conserve fish, wildlife and plant resources critical to Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas;
• Identify continuing sources of pollution of Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas; and
• Improve state and local criminal enforcement of environmental and wildlife protection laws intended to protect Oregon’s rivers, streams and coastal areas.

Pre-proposals should be submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Pre-proposals will be evaluated and ranked in November 2009. The strongest projects will be invited to submit full proposals due in December 2009. Full proposal applicants will be notified of grant awards by April 2010, with funds available for projects shortly thereafter. Approved projects should be completed within two years.

The ranking and selection of projects will include consideration of each project’s relevance to the program purposes stated above, quantifiable and measurable long term benefits to fish, wildlife and/or habitat and inclusion of partners and volunteers. Projects should define outcomes and successes clearly, employ creative and innovative methodology and replicate previous successes in new geographical areas. Successful proposals will demonstrate minimized administrative costs and maximized conservation investment.

Grant funds may not be used for political advocacy, litigation expenses, terrorist activities, legally required mitigation, equipment purchases not primarily related to the direct completion of the project, improvement of natural resources for commercial or private profit, required habitat Conservation Plan activities, indirect general administrative and overhead costs, website development, or videos.

While matching funds are not required, applicants are encouraged to include them where possible. These matching funds can come from federal and non-federal sources, cash or in-kind contributions.

Applicants should log onto the Foundation's website: www.nfwf.org, go to Special Grant Programs, select the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment and use the online process to submit a pre-proposal. The Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment program webpage can also be found at www.nfwf.org/orgovfund.

A nonprofit established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Since its establishment, the foundation has awarded nearly 10,500 grants to more than 3,000 organizations in the United States and abroad and leveraged – with its partners – nearly $600 million in federal funds into more than $1.4 billion for on-the-ground conservation. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

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.