Fish and Wildlife Service

Description

The Region 1 US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program and its partners recognize that we share responsibilities for managing and conserving fish and other aquatic resources, and success is contingent on partnerships that cut across jurisdictions. The Region 1 Fisheries Program embraces a balanced approach toward aquatic resource stewardship that recognizes a need to conserve and manage self-sustaining populations and their habitats while providing quality recreational fishing. Proposals will only be considered for projects within the state of Washington. Proposals may include but are not limited to: Assessment, Planning and Coordination, Implementing and Evaluating Water Quantity, Water Quality, Fish Passage, In-stream and Riparian Habitat, Introduced Species (including Aquatic Nuisance Species), Introgression, and culture aspects of brood stock development, production and re-introduction. Project proposals requested between $1,000 and $50,000 are most attractive. There is no required match, however 50 percent cost share is highly encouraged. Project ranking criteria include: ecological benefits for Federal trust species, minimum costs to the Service for operation and maintenance, current scientific knowledge and proven technology, and addressing objectives outlined in approved management plans. Projects must comply with all applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and Local regulations. Benefits of collaborative interagency efforts and partnerships for aquatic resources will be: Improved status of populations and habitats; Enhanced recreational opportunities; Improved partnerships and decreased duplication of efforts; Activities will be consistent with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program Vision. Assistance can only be provided on a cost recoverable basis. The Region 1 Fisheries Program staff reviews and approves project proposals and their associated budget upon receipt of a completed application. Decisions on funding a proposal are usually made no later than 180 days after receipt of the proposal. However, funding opportunities may present themselves at a later opportunity at which time projects may be reconsidered. Projects will be reviewed to determine how well they address the fisheries program priorities outlined above, including relevance to fish conservation plan priorities, conservation and management priority species, and the fish conservation activities listed above. Projects will also be evaluated for their biological and statistical soundness, feasibility, geographic scope of applicability, and cost effectiveness. Projects may also be evaluated and reviewed by outside sources, including but not limited to other appropriate federal staff at national and regional levels, state and local government employees, and other individuals with project area expertise, before selection is approved, to insure cost effectiveness, biological and statistical methodology, and feasibility. Although cost sharing and funding match are not a requirement, projects involving partners from other agencies and organizations who provide matching funds, in-kind services, materials, and equipment may be given greater consideration for funding than similar projects that do not include partner resources. Application packets are accepted throughout the fiscal year (1 Oct – 30 Sept) and are reviewed upon receipt. Once a proposal is accepted and mutually agreed upon deliverables and funding are approved, a formal agreement is written. Upon signing of the agreement by both parties, work may begin. Based upon the USFWS Program Officer determination, some agreements may be issued with a period of performance of up to five years. Subject to availability of funds, funding on some agreements may be increased during the life of the agreement. No advance of funds is available. All awards for assistance are subject to availability of funds. All proposals should be submitted to: USFWS, Fisheries, Attn: FIS or ANS Coordinator, 510 Desmond Drive SE, Suite 102, Lacey, Washington 98503.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Contact

Miranda Plumb <br/>Fish and Wildlife Biologist <br/>530-753-9560
miranda_plumb@fws.gov