Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program
Administrative Agency:
State Agency: Department of Natural Resources; Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Program Goals:
The program assists Alaskans to acquire, restore, manage, and enhance their coastal wetland resources. This program is managed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Resource Provided:
The program is funded under provisions of the federal 1990 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act with money generated from excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat/small engine fuels. Under the program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to states for acquisition, restoration, management, or enhancement of coastal wetlands.
States provide 50% of the total costs of a project; however, because Alaska has an established program (the Duck Stamp program) also focusing on coastal wetlands, the federal share is 75%.
This is a nationally competitive grant program, based on criteria contained in 50 CFR 84. Projects are given priority if they are consistent with the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan, are located in states with dedicated land acquisition programs, or are located in maritime forests on coastal barrier islands. Additional consideration may be given to projects that benefit threatened and endangered species, encourage cooperative efforts, and support other ongoing projects. Grants awarded cannot exceed $1.0 million for an individual project. Applications are prepared and submitted to US Fish and Wildlife Service by the State of Alaska in June of each year.
Eligibility:
Information about this grant program is available at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/grants.
Program Contact: (Primary Contact listed first.)