Fish and Wildlife Provides Nearly $19.9 Million in the Pacific Region Through Two Grant Programs
"The grants are for Land Acquisition and Conservation Efforts on Private Lands."
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne today awarded more than $75 million in grants through two grant programs; the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund and the Private Stewardship Grants Program.
Approximately $19.9 million in grants were awarded to Pacific Region states of Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho and Washington and landowners in those states to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered species. The grants will benefit species ranging from butterflies to bull trout.
"These grants present an invaluable opportunity for states and landowners to work together to protect habitat for threatened and endangered species," said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. "Building conservation partnerships and developing cooperative conservation programs are important tools toward ensuring the survival of species and preventing species from becoming threatened."
Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund:
In total, more than $68 million in Recovery Land Acquisition Grants were awarded to 21 states and one territory in 2007. The following are the grants received by states in the Pacific Region, totaling $18.7 million.
Hawaii
Coordination and Planning of a Regional Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan on Kauai, Hawai'i. (Kauai County, HI): $367,718. The grant will help support the development of a multi-species HCP for Kauai County, Hawai'i. The habitats affected by the development of an HCP include mountain forests in the interior of the island as well as lowland coastal areas within urbanized zones. These areas connect many watersheds and provide the habitat necessary to restore and recover federally listed Newell's shearwater, Hawaiian petrel, puaiohi, large Kauai thrush, Kauai O'o, Hawaiian hoary bat, green sea turtle, Blackburn sphinx moth, and Newcomb's snail. In addition the band-rumped storm petrel and Kauai creeper, both candidates, will benefit.
Kilauea Coastal Preserve Acquisition (Kauai County, HI): $1,631,132. The objective of this acquisition is to acquire and permanently protect 20 acres of privately owned lands. The property acquisition is located at the mouth of Kilauea stream at Kahili beach and is adjacent to the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The area contains occupied habitat for five federally listed endangered bird species, the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian stilt, Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian gallinule, and Hawaiian duck and the Hawaiian hoary bat.
Oregon
Benton County Prairie Species Habitat Conservation Plan (Benton County, OR): $333,000.
This second phase of funding will assist the County to complete development of a programmatic HCP and related NEPA documentation for multi-species prairie habitat HCP. The HCP will provide for protection of the federally listed Fenders blue butterfly, Nelson's checkermallow, Bradshaw's lomatium, Willamette daisy, and Kincaid's lupine. The Taylor's checkerspot butterfly and streaked horned lark, both candidates for listing, will also be provided protection.
Pocket Creek Ranch Conservation Easement at Zumwalt Prairie (Wallowa County, OR) $557,000. This grant is for the acquisition of a conservation easement over 5,817 acres adjacent to The Nature Conservancys Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in northeast Oregon The conservation easement will protect additional habitat for the largest known Spalding's catchfly population in Oregon and habitat for the Snake River steelhead, both federally listed threatened species. This acquisition is also expected to benefit Columbia spotted frog, nesting raptors including ferruginous hawks and northern goshawks, and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse.
Washington
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Area HCP (Statewide, all 39 counties, WA): $575,000. This grant funds the third year of an HCP process for the States wildlife areas covering a total of approximately 830,000 acres. The HCP will offer benefits to protected species and land users by providing certainty that land management activities meet Federal species protection requirements. Listed species that will benefit include but are not limited to: pygmy rabbit; woodland caribou; snowy plover; spotted owl; marbled murrelet; bull trout; Chinook salmon; steelhead; Oregon silverspot; golden paintbrush; and Kincaid's lupine.
Unlisted species include greater sage-grouse, northern goshawk, burrowing owl, Oregon spotted frog, Larch Mountain salamander, coho salmon, Mardon skipper, Taylor's checkerspot, and giant Columbia River limpet.
Washington State Hydraulic Project Approval HCP (Statewide, all 39 counties, WA): $686,312. Funding is for the third year of the HCP process for the States primary fish protection regulatory program, the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) program. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks an HCP as a means of continuing conservation of fish and shellfish species and habitat, while achieving long-term certainty that the HPA program meets Federal species protection requirements. Listed species that will benefit include bull trout; steelhead; and Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon. Unlisted species include but are not limited to: coastal cutthroat trout; green sturgeon; Pacific, river, and western brook lamprey; California floater mussel; and giant Columbia River limpet.
Plum Creek HCP - I-90 Wildlife Corridor, Phase III - Keechelus Ridge (Kittitas County, WA): $4,191,500. The Keechelus Ridge acquisition will acquire up to 670 acres along Interstate Highway 90, near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. The acquisition will prevent development; protect habitat for northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, gray wolf, grizzly bear, Canada lynx, and bull trout; and contribute to improved habitat connectivity between the north and south Cascade Mountains for another 160 species including bald eagle, wolverine, marten, and Pacific giant salamander.
*San Juan Islands Castilleja Conservation Project (San Juan County, WA): $1,000,000. The objective of this acquisition is to permanently protect one of the last surviving populations of golden paintbrush in the Northern Puget Sound area. Globally, golden paintbrush is known to occur at only 11 sites.
* Indicates partial funding awarded
For a complete list of the 2007 grant awards for this programs (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 15.615), please visit the Service's Endangered Species Grants web page:
http://endangered.fws.gov/grants/section6/index.html.
Private Stewardship Grants (PSG) Program:
In addition, approximately $1.2 million Private Stewardship Grants were awarded to landowners in Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon and Washington under the Private Stewardship Grants Program.
Now in its fifth year, the Private Stewardship Grants Program provides $7.2 million in federal grants on a competitive basis to individuals and groups engaged in voluntary conservation efforts on private lands that benefit federally listed endangered or threatened species, candidate species or other at-risk species. Under this program, private landowners as well as groups working with private landowners submit proposals directly to the Service for funding to support these efforts.
"We are seeing tremendous benefits to wildlife by partnering with private landowners," said H. Dale Hall, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. "Each year, these private stewardship grants pay dividends in the effort to preserve imperiled species and their habitats. It is heartening to see how much progress we can make when we work together."
The following are the PSG grants awarded in the Pacific Region, totaling approximately $1.2 million:
Hawaii
Auwahi III Dryland Forest Ecosystem Restoration (application by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.) Maui County, Hawaii ($280,500*) The objective of this project is the construction of an ungulate-proof fence protecting 190 acres of Auwahi forest on privately-owned Ulupalakua Ranch. This project builds upon the success of previous Auwahi restoration projects by protecting one of the richest and most endangered of Hawaiian ecosystems. The species which will benefit include the Blackburn's sphinx moth and eight federally listed and two candidate plants.
Endangered Species Protection in East Maui - (application by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.) - Maui County, Hawaii ($88,000) Funding will be used to support the accelerated ungulate removal program within 2,000 acres of a 12,000-acre project area with emphasis on areas where threats have been identified from past monitoring initiatives. In addition, funding will be used to manually remove satellite populations of invasive plant species including kahili ginger, pampas grass, and fountain grass. The project area is occupied by five federally listed forest birds as well as seven listed and 2 proposed plant species. In addition, there is unoccupied habitat for nine additional listed or proposed plant species.
Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Nesting Habitat Management - (application by Nani Kahuku Aina, LLC.) - Hawaii County, Hawaii ($106,920) The project seeks to improve hawksbill sea turtle nesting habitat by minimizing threats posed by non-native mammalian predators including mongooses, rats, feral cats, and feral dogs; controlling non-native plants such as fountain grass; and minimizing impact of human activities by restricting beach access. Green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals will also benefit as a result of this restoration project.
Implementation of the West Maui Mountains Watershed Management Plan for Wailuku Water Company Lands - (application by Malama Kahalawai, Inc.) - Maui County, Hawaii ($150,000) The objective of this project is to remove threats to rare species located on West Maui Forest Reserve lands owned byWailuku Water Company, LLC. Funding will be used for the installation of approximately 16 strategic fences totaling 1,800 meters. These strategic fences which will prevent access by pigs and illegal dirt bikers to 2,644 acres of prime habitat for 11 rare species including Newell's shearwater, Hawaiian dark rumped petrel, Hawaiian short eared owl, and a number of listed or proposed plant species.
Idaho
Mores Creek floodplain Restoration Project, Phase III Grimes Creek - (application by West Central Highlands Resource Conservation and Development Council) - Ada and Boise Counties, Idaho ($109,803*) This project is a floodplain restoration effort to restore the 1) channel geometry of the creek and floodplain, 2) sediment and water regime, and 3) riparian plant community by salvaging and utilizing the existing vegetation within the project reach. Restoration efforts will occur on 14 miles of Grimes Creek within the Mores Creek Watershed. The federally listed bull trout as well as redband trout will benefit.
Oregon
Lowe Creek Channel and Wetlands Restoration - (application by Oregon Trout) - Coos County, Oregon ($87,375) The Lowe Creek Channel and Wetlands Restoration at Boatman Grove Fish and Wildlife Preserve project will restore estuarine and wetland habitat by removing the lower portion of Lowe Creek from its currently straightened, manmade ditch and reconnecting it with a meandering tidal channel and its historic mouth on the Coquille River. Approximately 107 acres and a full mile of stream habitat will be reconnected to its floodplain providing benefits for federally listed coho salmon and bald eagles as well as Chinook salmon (a State-listed threatened species), steelhead, and little willow flycatcher.
Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery through Grassland Restoration at the Boardman Conservation Area - (application by The Nature Conservancy) - Morrow County, Oregon ($36,563) The project objectives are to restore 50 acres of degraded grassland located in a former cattle holding pasture and 16 acres of former cattle watering and salt lick areas. The restoration activities funded under this project will benefit a number of at-risk species including the federally listed bald eagle and State-listed Lawrence's milk-vetch, Washington ground squirrel (both Federal candidates), and northern wormwood.
Whychus Creek Habitat Restoration Project - (application by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council) - Deschutes County, Oregon ($204,000*) The goal of the Whychus Creek Stream Habitat Restoration Project is to restore a naturally functioning stream channel to provide high quality in-stream and riparian wetland habitat for the benefit of reintroduced steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and redband trout. The specific objectives are to restore 1.4 miles of high quality spawning and rearing habitat; restore functioning meadow hydrology and floodplain connectivity; provide an additional 115 acres of riparian wetland habitat; restore natural channel stability; provide balanced sediment transport; and reduce stream temperatures
Washington Tarboo Creek and Wetland Restoration - (application by Northwest Watershed Institute) - Jefferson County, Washington ($60,000) This project is a cooperative effort between Jefferson Land Trust, Jefferson County Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hood Canal Coordinating Council and others to restore 0.5 miles of Tarboo Creek mainstem, 0.5 miles of tributaries, and 40 acres of exceptionally rare forested bottomland wetlands. The restored stream channels and riparian areas will benefit coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout, and threatened Puget Sound Chinook and Hood Canal summer chum salmon.
Wolf Haven Prairie Restoration - (application by The Nature Conservancy) - Thurston County, Washington ($74,000) The objective of this project is to restore high-quality prairie habitat. Improved habitat quality will provide opportunities for the enhancement, colonization, or introduction of six at-risk animal species including Mazama pocket gopher, Mardon skipper, and Taylor's checkerspot (all Federal candidates). In addition, the federally threatened golden paintbrush will be re-introduced at the site. Golden paintbrush re introduction will follow the guidelines outlined in the "Recovery Plan for Golden Paintbrush."
The full list of projects selected for funding under the Private Stewardship Grants Program may be accessed at http://endangered.fws.gov/grants/private_stewardship.html The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for this grant program is 15-632.
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Here is the full text of the complete project list:
Private Stewardship Grants Program Regional Award Summaries FY 2007
Alabama
Mitchell Lake Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Enhancement Project (application by Alabama Power) Chilton and Coosa Counties, Alabama $27,315 Alabama Power will undertake activities on 1,057 acres of its land to enhance habitat of the federally endangered red cockaded woodpecker. The project will benefit eight active red-cockaded woodpecker clusters (i.e., a cluster is a group of cavity trees) and improve habitat at three additional inactive cluster sites. The grantee will install artificial nest cavities and restrictor plates to protect cavity entrances from destructive enlargement by predators, conduct mid-story hardwood control through mechanical or chemical methods, and undertake prescribed burning around active and inactive colony sites.
Paint Rock River Habitat Enhancement Project (application by The Nature Conservancy) Jackson County, Alabama $100,000* The Nature Conservancy will partner with private landowners to implement best management practices to improve water quality in the Paint Rock River, one of the most biologically diverse aquatic rivers in the Southeast. Specific projects are designed to address the landowners needs and may include streambank stabilization with bio-engineering methods, construction of fencing to exclude cattle, and provision of alternative water sources. They will directly benefit eight species of federally listed mussels and fish, including shiny pigtoe, fine-rayed pigtoe, pink mucket, Alabama lampmussel, rough pigtoe, pale lilliput, palezone shiner, and the snail darter. Additionally, the projects will help the slabside pearlymussel, a federal candidate species.
Please Also See Multi-state Proposals
Alaska
Homer Wildlife Conservation Community Program (application by Kachemak Bay Conservation Alliance) Alaska $100,000 The Kachemak Bay Conservation Alliance, City of Homer, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Quick Sanitation, and Alaska Audubon will establish a comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Community Program for the City of Homer to address problematic Kenai brown bear interactions and bearrelated public safety issues caused by easy access to food sources in residential neighborhoods. The Homer area is experiencing steady human population growth and associated development, which have resulted in an increase in bear-human interactions, putting both humans and bears at risk. This program will provide reduced-cost bear-resistant garbage containers to Homer residents, and will complement existing Kenai brown bear conservation efforts on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward Area Wildlife Conservation Community Program (application by Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance) Alaska $108,150 The Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance, City of Seward, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Waste, and Alaska Audubon will establish a comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Community Program for the Seward area to address problematic Kenai brown bear interactions and bear-related public safety issues caused by easy access to food sources in residential neighborhoods. The Seward area is experiencing steady human population growth and associated development, which have resulted in an increase in bear-human interactions, putting both humans and bears at risk. This program will provide reduced-cost bear-resistant garbage containers to Seward residents, and will complement existing Kenai brown bear conservation efforts on the Kenai Peninsula.
Little Campbell Creek: It's a Creek, not a Ditch - (application by Anchorage Waterways Council) Alaska $33,600 The Anchorage Waterways Council will work with local residents living adjacent to Little Campbell Creek to rehabilitate degraded riparian buffers and restore healthy fish habitat. A creekside stewardship program will be developed to target willing landowners and promote a positive stewardship ethic. The project will provide technical expertise, materials, and volunteer labor to assist landowners in modifying their land use practices or physical features of their property to enhance protection of the creek and restore vital fish habitat. Species of concern that will benefit include anadromous fish (Chinook, Coho, and sockeye salmon), the Cook Inlet population of beluga whale, rusty blackbird, and a mayfly species found only in Alaska.
Afognak Island Motorized Access Denial: Phase V (application by Wildlife Forever) Alaska $45,800* Wildlife Forever will work with a large Native Corporation landowner to reclaim forest roads to reduce habitat fragmentation and minimize harassment and disturbance of Kodiak brown bears. The project will also benefit Pacific salmon by reducing habitat degradation caused by soil erosion and siltation. Phase V will continue enhancing natural resource and riparian qualities on lands in proximity to other protected habitat areas. Other species of concern that will indirectly benefit from the project are harbor seals, marbled murrelets, sea otters, harlequin ducks, and bald eagles.
Arkansas
Middle Fork Saline River Watershed (application by The Nature Conservancy Arkansas Chapter) Garland County, Arkansas $92,925* - The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas will work with three private landowners to perform riparian and stream restoration for nine species of greatest conservation need within this watershed. Aquatic species that will benefit from this restoration include two fish and six mussels, including the federally threatened Arkansas fatmucket, as well as the Arkansas agapetus caddisfly, an extremely rare species found only in Arkansas. Specifically, this project will restore approximately 1.3 miles of streambank, 7.5 acres of riparian corridor, and exclude at least 350 head of cattle from the river.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Restoration (application by Private Landowner) Clark County, Arkansas $45,534* This project will restore a remnant population of federally endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers and benefit other at-risk species. Specific actions that will accomplish this objective include the prescribed burning of at least 1,000 acres, reducing encroaching hardwoods on 160 acres, and creating one additional red-cockaded woodpecker recruitment cluster. This project is the start of a long-term project to expand the current red-cockaded woodpecker population from four active clusters to 30 breeding groups by 2022 when excess woodpeckers can be donated to augment other populations.
California
Grasshopper Valley Sagebrush Steppe Restoration (Application by the Pit Resource Conservation District) Lassen County, California - $108,325* At least 20 rare grassland species will benefit from this invasive species removal project. Restoration of sagebrush habitat will benefit the greater sage grouse. Mechanical removal of juniper on approximately 500 acres will improve wildlife habitat, improve water quality, reduce fire hazards, and increase soil moisture. Landowners involved in this project will maintain the improvements for 20 years.
Mattole River Flow Program: Water Storage and Forbearance for Threatened Species Recovery (Application by Sanctuary Forest, Inc.) Humboldt and Mendocino Counties, California - $55,000* Sixteen private landowners will voluntarily forego water extractions on the Mattole River during summer low flows for this project that will benefit listed aquatic species. Five miles of critical stream habitat will be improved for threatened Coho, Chinook, and steelhead by supplying an alternative water source for nearby water users. Other species benefiting include river lamprey, western tailed frog, southern torrent salamander, foothill yellow-legged frog, and western pond turtle. FWS funds will contribute less than 10 percent of the total project costs.
Mattole River Eastern Sub-basin Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project (Application by the Mattole Restoration Council) Humboldt County, California - $95,000* This project will replace three undersized culverts on private lands off of Wolf, Buck, and Deer Lick creeks to allow for full fish passage and reduction of sediment loads into the creeks. The project will benefit three federally threatened fish: Chinook and Coho salmon and steelhead. It will also benefit rare species such as pacific lamprey, foothill yellow-legged frog, northern red-legged frog, tailed frog, and southern torrent salamander.
Removal of Non-native Invasive Plants at Martin Dunes on the Monterey Bay State Seashore (Application by The Big Sur Land Trust) Monterey, California - $60,000* This project will eradicate two non-native, invasive plant species, ice plant and European beachgrass, from 125 acres at Martin Dunes, a private section of the Monterey dunes seashore complex. Removal of these non-natives will contribute to the goal of their complete eradication along the Monterey Bay Seashore and create important habitat connectivity. Rare species that will directly benefit from this activity are the endangered Smiths blue butterfly, Monterey gilia, Menzies wallflower, and the threatened western snowy plover, the threatened Monterey spineflower as well as the rare California legless lizard.
Catalina Island Listed Species Restoration and Protection Project (Application by the Catalina Island Conservancy) - Los Angeles County, California - $175,000* The three phases of this project will benefit six rare species on the island. Phases include vaccination of the endangered Santa Catalina Island fox against the detrimental canine distemper virus (CDV), eradication and control of invasive plant species, and plant propagation and outplanting. CDV had nearly wiped out the Santa Catalina Island fox in 2004, and inoculation against future outbreaks will help recover the population. Four priority invasive plant species will also be eradicated from the island. Five rare plant species that will benefit from this project: the endangered Santa Cruz island rock-cress and Catalina island mahogany, the threatened island rush-rose and the rare Catalina island manzanita and island oak.
Ventura River Preserve Habitat Restoration of Rice Creek and Ventura River Uplands (Application by Ojai Valley Land Conservancy) Ventura County, California - $81,675 - The goal of this project, led by the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, is removal of invasive non-native plant species along Rice Creek and Ventura River Uplands, as well as the restoration of Rice Creeks natural channel and ecosystem. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is working to enhance native habitats along the Ventura River and Rice Creek, increase habitat connectivity for the California red legged frog, provide additional riparian habitat for the Least Bells vireo and Southwestern willow flycatcher, and support the aquatic habitats of the Southern steelhead trout and Tidewater goby.
Riparian Habitat Restoration for the Federally Threatened Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle and Other At-risk Species in the Mokelumne Watershed - (Application by Vino Farms, Inc.) - San Joaquin County, California - $60,000* Vino Farms, Inc., an award-winning sustainable farm, produces more than 10,000 acres of premium wine grapes in California and has contracted with River Partners to implement a restoration plan for the native riparian plan community on the lower Mokelumne River watershed. Vino Farms is a signatory to a regional Safe Harbor Agreement for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle and will use these funds to maximize the recovery potential for the beetle, the endangered least Bells vireo, and 15 other at-risk bird species.
Restoration of Santa Cruz Tarplant and Coastal Prairie on Tarplant Hill in Watsonville (Application by Watsonville Wetlands Watch) - Santa Cruz County, California - $35,000* Watsonville Wetlands Watch is initiating a three-year effort to restore and enhance 4.5 acres of native coastal prairie essential to the recovery of the Santa Cruz tarplant. The group is committed to maintain the site in perpetuity and to provide conditions that create a self-sustaining population from what is currently only an aging seed bank. These efforts will also benefit the burrowing owl, northern harrier, loggerhead shrike, and federally threatened California red-legged frog.
Saving Sonoma's Sunshine: Reintroduction of Two Endangered Vernal Pool Plants at The Bouverie Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch (Application by Audubon Canyon Ranch) - Sonoma County, California - $72,370* The Audubon Canyon Ranch was founded in 1962 with a grassroots crusade to protect and preserve the open space of Marin and Sonoma Counties with the added mission to maintain properties as sanctuaries for native plants and animals. This funding will assist the Ranch in enhancing two degraded vernal pools systems in order to reestablish the endangered Sonoma sunshine and dwarf downingia, a species of conservation concern in California.
Colorado
Crooked/Pole Boreal Toad Recovery (application by Private Landowner) Grand County, Colorado $80,000* The applicant will work with private landowners to create high elevation breeding ponds for the boreal toad in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The ponds will provide additional habitat for this declining species in Colorado, which is threatened by infection from chytrid fungus.
Also See Multi-State Proposals
Florida
Please See Multi-state Proposals
Georgia
Please See Multi-State Proposals
Hawaii
Auwahi III Dryland Forest Ecosystem Restoration (application by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.) Maui County, Hawaii $280,500* - The objective of this project is the construction of an ungulate-proof fence protecting 190 acres of Auwahi forest on privately-owned Ulupalakua Ranch. This project builds upon the success of previous Auwahi restoration projects by protecting one of the richest and most endangered of Hawaiian ecosystems. The species, which will benefit include the Blackburns sphinx moth and eight federally listed and two candidate plants.
Endangered Species Protection in East Maui (application by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.) Maui County, Hawaii $88,000 - Funding will be used to support the accelerated ungulate removal program within 2,000 acres of a 12,000-acre project area with emphasis on areas where threats have been identified from past monitoring initiatives. In addition, funding will be used to manually remove satellite populations of invasive plant species including kahili ginger, pampas grass, and fountain grass. The project area is occupied by five federally listed forest birds as well as seven listed and 2 proposed plant species. In addition, there is unoccupied habitat for nine additional listed or proposed plant species.
Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Nesting Habitat Management (application by Nani Kahuku Aina, LLC.) Hawaii County, Hawaii $106,920 - The project seeks to improve hawksbill sea turtle nesting habitat by minimizing threats posed by non-native mammalian predators including mongooses, rats, feral cats, and feral dogs; controlling non-native plants such as fountain grass; and minimizing impact of human activities by restricting beach access. Green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals will also benefit as a result of this restoration project.
Implementation of the West Maui Mountains Watershed Management Plan for Wailuku Water Company Lands (application by Malama Kahalawai, Inc.) - Maui County, Hawaii $150,000 - The objective of this project is to remove threats to rare species located on West Maui Forest Reserve lands owned by Wailuku Water Company, LLC. Funding will be used for the installation of approximately 16 strategic fences totaling 1,800 meters. These strategic fences which will prevent access by pigs and illegal dirt bikers to 2,644 acres of prime habitat for 11 rare species including Newells shearwater, Hawaiian dark rumped petrel, Hawaiian short eared owl, and a number of listed or proposed plant species.
Idaho
Mores Creek floodplain Restoration Project, Phase III Grimes Creek (application by West Central Highlands Resource Conservation and Development Council) Ada and Boise Counties, Idaho $109,803* This project is a floodplain restoration effort to restore the 1) channel geometry of the creek and floodplain, 2) sediment and water regime, and 3) riparian plant community by salvaging and utilizing the existing vegetation within the project reach. Restoration efforts will occur on 14 miles of Grimes Creek within the Mores Creek Watershed. The federally listed bull trout as well as redband trout will benefit.
Iowa
Topeka Shiner Recovery and Habitat Restoration - (application by Private Landowner) Calhoun County, Iowa $18,040 The landowners will restore Topeka shiner habitat as well as a nine-acre prairie adjacent to Lake Creek in north-central Iowa. The landowners have identified two off-channel floodplain habitats that will be excavated to ensure connectivity to the Creek at the 2-year flood event. This will fulfill specific spawning and requirements of the Topeka shiner, as well as provide refuge during drought conditions. The prairie restoration is expected to benefit the three at-risk butterflies: Regal fritillary, Powesheik skipperling, and the Silvery blue.
Restore Native Prairie and Oak Savanna Communities In the Little Sioux Watershed in Northwest Iowa (application by Iowa Lakes Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.) Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, and OBrien Counties, Iowa $81,000* This project will provide on-the-ground funds for restoration activities for at least eight landowners within the Little Sioux Watershed benefiting about 350 acres of native remnant prairie habitat. Species benefiting from the restoration activities include the Western prairie fringed orchid, Prairie bush clover, Topeka shiner, Dakota skipper, and approximately 40 at-risk species. This is a collaborative project including The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, local County Conservation Boards, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Natural Resources Conservation Services.
Please Also See Multi-state Proposals
Indiana
Please See Multi-state Proposals
Kansas
Homestead Range Renewal Initiative (application by Private Landowner) Chase County, Kansas $50,000 The landowner will implement rangeland management techniques to restore tallgrass prairie on the 4,000 acre Homestead Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The techniques include removing fences, using patch burning to control livestock grazing, seeding native plants on previously cultivated land, management of invasive species and monitoring vegetation response. This will improve habitat for the endangered American burying beetle and several grassland bird species. The project is intended to serve as a successful and economically viable model that can be implemented by other ranchers.
Also See Multi-State Proposals
Kentucky
Aquatic Habitat Restoration in the Middle and Upper Cumberland River Basins (application by Cumberland Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council) - Knox, Whitley, Rockcastle, Jackson, Laurel, Bell and Harlan Counties, Kentucky $50,000 The Cumberland Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council will work with seven private landowners to restore aquatic habitats in the middle and upper Cumberland River systems in southeastern Kentucky. Restoration techniques may involve livestock exclusion fencing, provision of alternate watering sources, alternative stream crossings, cedar tree revetments, planting of native tree species or projects to restore the natural hydrology. The federally threatened blackside dace and federally endangered mussels, including the Cumberland bean, Cumberland elktoe, littlewing pearlymussel, Cumberlandian combshell and oyster mussel, as well as two Federal candidate species, and 20 state-listed species that inhabit these basins will benefit as a result of the protection and restoration of their instream and riparian habitats.
Stream, Wetland and Prairie Restoration in the Licking River Basin of North East Kentucky (application by Licking River Valley RC&D Council, Inc.) Bath, Bourbon, Bracken, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Pendleton and Robertson Counties, Kentucky $50,000 - The Licking River Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council will partner with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Cumberland Valley RC&D, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, local conservation districts and seven private landowners to restore habitat and improve water quality in Licking River. Project restoration efforts include riparian restoration, livestock exclusion fencing, alternate water sources, re-establishment of fish passage and bio-engineering streambank stabilization. The Licking River Basin is home for 11 federally listed species, including freshwater mussels such as the fanshell, pink mucket and clubshell as well as 155 threatened, endangered or rare state listed species.
Louisiana
Louisiana Black Bear (application by the Black Bear Conservation Committee) St. Mary, Concordia Parishes, Louisiana $82,211 - The objective of this project is to restore bottomland hardwood habitat on 404 acres to benefit the federally threatened Louisiana black bear. The project will occur on two different sites, one of which is within the highest priority reforestation area for the Louisiana black bear and would aid in connecting a 4,800 acre forest with a 1,700 acre forest The second tract is within a 10,000-acre bottomland hardwood forest and is also a priority restoration site. Up to 39 other rare species may benefit from this project, including the ivory-billed woodpecker, swallow-tailed kite, and Swainson's warbler.
Also See Multi-state Proposals
Maine
Ducktrap River Preserve Knotweed Control Project (application by the Coastal Mountains Land Trust) Waldo County, Maine $18,000 The Ducktrap River Preserve is a 1,136 acre conservation area located in the heart of the Ducktrap River Watershed. This grant will provide the funds necessary to initiate a project aimed at controlling the invasive Japanese knotweed within the Preserve. The goal is to reduce the impact of the knotweed upon the rivers population of the endangered Atlantic salmon, specifically targeting the species critical spawning habitat.
Restoration of Watershed Connectivity and Stream Process in Atlantic Salmon DPS Watersheds Machias River Focus Area (application by Project SHARE) Washington County, Maine $48,600* This grant will assist in the improvement of watershed connectivity and significantly reduce the amount of sedimentation degrading Atlantic salmon and brook trout habitat. Specifically, two undersized culverts along the Machias River will be replaced by open bottom arch culverts that will allow for a natural bottom and bank full stream flow.
Massachusetts
Integrated Predator Management Program to Protect Nesting Piping Plovers and Least Terns (application by The Trustees of Reservations) Essex County, Massachusetts $12,000 - The Trustees of Reservations will implement a predator management program at their Crane Beach Reservation in Ipswich, MA. Crane Beach is among one of the coasts most important breeding sites for piping plovers and least terns. It is anticipated that control activities will result in increased piping plover and least tern chick survival.
Michigan
Restoring Southeast Michigans High Diversity Landscapes Through Collaborative Stewardship (application by The Nature Conservancy) Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan $64,450 This project implements intensive stewardship to control invasive plants and prescribed burning aimed at securing existing habitat for Mitchells satyr, copperbelly water snake, Indiana bat, clubshell, Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, as well as at least 12 other at-risk species. Stewardship activities will be completed on at least 15 private landowner properties preventing habitat degradation on at least 500 acres and restoring at least 50 acres of habitat previously used by at-risk species.
Minnesota
Imperiled Species Conservation on Private Land in Western Minnesota (application by Friends of Morris Wetland Management District) Kandiyohi and Yellow Medicine Counties, Minnesota $40,304* Friends of the Morris Wetland Management District will work with at least 5 private landowners to remove woody cover in order to enhance and restore native prairie habitats to benefit greater prairie chicken, marbled godwit, short-eared owl, Henslow's sparrow, Dakota skipper and western prairie fringed orchid. Approximately 600 acres have been identified for clearing.
Mississippi
Please See Multi-State Proposals
Missouri
Mystic Plains Native Prairie Revival (application by Missouri Prairie Foundation) Adair and Sullivan Counties, Missouri $70,000 The Missouri Prairie Foundation will work with several landowners to restore prairie habitat by removing cedars and other woody species, purchase haying and grazing rights from landowners, controlled burning more than 100 acres, and restore 100 acres of prairie through a forb-rich native planting. Applying these tools will directly benefit Meads milkweed and at least 5 at-risk species including the state endangered Greater prairie chicken.
Please Also See Multi-state Proposals
Montana
Big Hole River McDowell Reach Arctic Grayling Riparian Enhancement (application by Big Hole Watershed Committee) Beaverhead County, Montana $100,000 The Big Hole Watershed Committee will work with a private landowner to restore riparian habitat in an important spawning reach for the riverine form of the arctic grayling in southwestern Montana. Planting native riparian trees to restore the riparian habitat will cool the river water for the grayling, a candidate species for Federal listing.
Grave Creek Re-vegetation Project, Phases 1 and 2 (application by Kootenai River Network, Inc.) Lincoln County, Montana $65,000 The Kootenai River Network will work with partners to re-vegetate two miles of Grave Creek, which is an important spawning reach for the threatened bull trout, to its proper form and function. The project includes providing an off-site watering source for livestock use to reduce impacts of livestock on the river channel and vegetation.
Streamflow Restoration in the Clark Fork Watershed (application by Montana Water Trust) - Lake, Ravilli, Missoula, Lewis & Clark Counties, Montana $40,000 The Montana Water Trust will restore and protect stream flows in dewatered tributaries important for spawning bull trout, a threatened species, primarily by leasing senior water rights from willing landowners The Montana Water Trusts works closely with landowners in the watershed on instream flow water rights management and irrigation efficiency.
Multi-State
Alabama / Mississippi / Louisiana
Pine Ecosystem Restoration (application by Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Forest Foundation, and Environmental Defense) Various Counties, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama $150,000 - This project will improve habitat for declining species dependent upon fire-maintained southern pine communities, particularly longleaf pine in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Restoration activities, including the planting of longleaf pine and/or the control of hardwoods, will be performed on 1,088 acres of family forest properties. Species expected to benefit from this restoration project include the federally threatened gopher tortoise, federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, Federal candidate black pine snake, and ten other species of concern. This project builds on earlier successful projects that resulted in the restoration of 3,335 acres on 24 sites.
Florida / Georgia
Red Hills Ecological Stewardship Consortium- (application by Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy) Leon County, Florida; Thomas and Grady Counties, Georgia $41,845 - Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, working through the Red Hills Ecological Stewardship Consortium, will continue its ongoing program to work with private landowners in the Red Hills region for the conservation of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and other species dependent upon the longleaf pine ecosystem. Specifically, the project will result in the construction of 40 artificial cavities for the red-cockaded woodpecker, the translocation of at least eight sub-adult red cockaded woodpeckers into suitable habitat, and the recruitment of two to four landowners into Safe Harbor Agreements.
Ohio / Indiana / Michigan
Reforestation and Wetland Restoration for Permanent Native Habitat in the St. Joseph River Watershed (application by St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative Partnership) Hillsdale County, Michigan; Defiance and Williams Counties, Ohio; Allen, Dekalb, and Noble Counties, Indiana $45,000* The St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative Partnership will protect, restore and enhance wetland and forest habitat in the St. Joseph River Watershed to benefit the Copperbelly water snake, Indiana bat, clubshell, white cat's pearlymussel, Northern riffleshell, and the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, as well as 5 other at-risk species. The initiative has identified at least 14 landowners where nearly 140 acres of reforestation will occur to connect wetland corridor habitat for these species.
Iowa / Missouri
Southern Iowa Oak Savanna and Grand River Grassland Cooperative Restoration Initiative (application by Decatur County Conservation Board) Clarke, Decatur and Lucas Counties, Iowa; Ringgold County, Missouri $193,625* This project will restore, maintain, and protect high quality native oak savanna and tallgrass prairie ecosystem within southern Iowa and northern Missouri. Project features will be implemented through several partners including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Decatur County, Iowa State University, Southern Iowa Oak Savanna Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy. The partners will provide landowners with several methods of oak savanna habitat enhancement including mechanical brush removal, prescribed fire, grazing, invasive species removal, and native species establishment. These practices will benefit the Indiana bat, Topeka shiner, Mead's milkweed, western prairie fringed orchid, and at least 14 other at risk species.
Colorado / Nebraska
Private Lands Habitat Enhancement for Grassland & Riparian Species at Risk in Colorado & Nebraska (application by Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory) Morgan and Otero Counties, Colorado; Kimball County, Nebraska - $73,736 Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory will work with two ranchers in eastern Colorado to restore riparian habitat by fencing livestock out providing alternative watering sources, and to restore shortgrass prairie by seeding with native grasses. In Nebraska, they will restore three playas that are currently in cultivation. These restoration projects will benefit numerous bird and fish species, including scaled quail, lark bunting and Arkansas darter.
Colorado / Utah
Youth Corps for Gunnison Sage-grouse Habitat Protection (application by Colorado Youth Corps Association) - Montrose & Mesa Counties, Colorado; San Juan Co., Utah $81,667 - The Colorado Youth Corps Association will engage 41 youth in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah to enhance habitat on private lands for three populations of the rare Gunnison sage-grouse. Habitat improvement projects include removal of invasive pinon and juniper woody vegetation in sagebrush habitat, thinning of senescent stands of sagebrush, and collecting and planting sagebrush seeds from local sources.
Kansas / Nebraska
Restoration and Enhancement of Tallgrass Prairies in Sandstone Prairie Landscape of Kansas and Nebraska (application by Northern Prairies Land Trust) Jefferson and Thayer Counties, Kansas; Washington and Republic Counties, Nebraska - $94,462 The Northern Prairies Land Trust will improve tallgrass prairie habitat for the endangered American burying beetle, the threatened western prairie fringed orchid, and numerous grassland bird species. The project involves clearing invasive woody vegetation from native prairie, enabling prescribed burning, and implementing planned grazing systems.
Nebraska
Central Platte Valley Wet Meadow and River Channel Restoration Project (application by Platte River Whooping Crane Trust) Buffalo, Dawson and Hall Counties, Nebraska - $103,510 The Platte River Whooping Crane Trust will work with numerous partners and 11 participating landowners to restore wetland habitat along the Platte River in central Nebraska for migrating endangered whooping cranes and other Federally listed and declining birds that breed there, including piping plover and least tern. Habitat restoration projects include invasive tree removal, wetland slough construction and maintenance of open water habitat in the main river channel.
Central Platte River Channel Restoration (application by National Audubon Society) Buffalo and Dawson Counties, Nebraska $75,000* This project is designed to increase open channel roosting habitat for the endangered whooping crane, as well as open channel breeding and foraging habitat for the Federally listed least tern and piping plover and several State-listed fish The National Audubon Society will remove stands of the invasive weed, common reed, which has expanded its occupation of the area in recent years
Hartman Loess Hills Prairie Restoration and Management (application by Hartman Farms) Greeley County, Nebraska $40,000 Hartman Farms will restore native prairie habitat for declining grassland birds and other wildlife by removing invasive eastern red cedar, implementing a grassland management plan and improving fencing to control livestock grazing. Species that will benefit include Bells vireo, greater prairie-chicken, short-eared owl and burrowing owl.
Improving Loess Canyons Rangeland for American Burying Beetle and Other At-risk Wildlife Species (application by Quail Forever) Dawson, Frontier and Lincoln Counties, Nebraska $75,000* Quail Forever will work with nine ranchers in western Nebraska to remove invasive red cedar from native prairie to enhance habitat for grassland species of concern. Species that will benefit over this large project area include the endangered American burying beetle, as well as Bells vireo, short-eared owl and regal fritillary.
Sandhills Grassland Restoration (application by Sandhills Task Force) Blaine, Hooker, Loup and Thomas Counties, Nebraska $44,520* The Sandhills Task Force will work with ranchers in the sandhills of Nebraska, a unique landscape, to improve the native grasslands. Invasive eastern red cedar will be removed and grazing management altered to improve habitat for long-billed curlew, short-eared owl and the threatened western prairie fringed orchid.
Also See Multi-State Proposals
New Mexico
Restoration of Cienega Side Canyons to Slow Water Flow in Aid of Chiricahua Leopard Frog, Gila Chub and Gila Topminnow (application by Private Landowner) Grant County, New Mexico - $42,000 Restoration of major and minor canyons will significantly reduce intensity of water flow and flood damage to the Burro Cienega during moderate to major rain events. The focus is Chiricahua leopard frog, Gila chub and Gila topminnow with additional benefits to the desert viceroy butterfly, Mexican garter snake and Sonoran mud turtle.
Habitat Improvement for the Northern Aplomado falcons on the Armendaris Ranch (application by Turner Endangered Species Fund) - Sierra County, New Mexico - $7,728 This project will install 20 nest platforms for Northern Aplomado falcons on the Armendaris Ranch, New Mexico, and evaluate their use by falcons during 2007-2009.
Headstart Facility for Bolson Tortoises on the Ladder Ranch (application by Turner Endangered Species Fund) - Sierra County, New Mexico - $21,114* This project will establish a predator-proof headstart enclosure on the Ladder Ranch, New Mexico, for rearing juvenile bolson tortoises as part of a bolson tortoise restoration program.
New York
Glacial Lake Albany Karner blue butterfly habitat restoration project (application by The Nature Conservancy) Albany Pine Bush Preserve) Albany and Saratoga Counties, New York $293,051* This grant will provide the funds to support forestry and land clearing activities for Karner blue butterfly habitat restoration on a total of 47 acres within the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and in the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. Habitat restoration is identified as the top priority in the Recovery Plan for the Karner blue butterfly. The completion of the funded activities will prepare the site for planting suitable habitat within the Karner blue butterfly Glacial Lake Albany Recovery Unit.
Ohio
Oak Savanna, Mesic Prairie, Midwest Sand Barren, Twig Rush Wet Prairie Restoration Project at the Kitty Todd Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) Lucas County, Ohio $40,000* The Kitty Todd Preserve will restore 55 acres of black oak lupine barrens, 20 acres of mesic sand tallgrass prairie, and 10 acres of sand barrens for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The Kitty Todd Preserve is the only known location in Ohio for the Karner blue butterfly.
Please Also See Multi-state Proposals
Oklahoma
Habitat Restoration on Private Lands at Large-Scale Priority Conservation Sites in Western Oklahoma (application by The Nature Conservancy, Oklahoma Chapter) Western Oklahoma - $227,833* - Removal of invasive eastern red cedar and other dense understory woody vegetation will be carried out on private lands surrounding three of The Nature Conservancys priority conservation areas in Oklahoma. Such removal and thinning will benefit a suite of at-risk species including American burying beetle, northern scarlet snake, Texas horned lizard, Painted bunting to name only a few. The project will be used as a demonstration to educate private landowners in the priority conservation sites.
Protection, Management, and Monitoring Cave Habitat for the Ozark Big-eared Bat (application by Rogers State University) - Adair County, Oklahoma - $9,000 This project will provide specific management for protection of the Ozark big-eared bat and other rare cave fauna at a single cave in northeastern Oklahoma; implement management and protection at one of three potential caves in Adair County, Oklahoma and monitor the cave, gate/grill system and bat populations to evaluate continued occupancy by the Ozark big-eared bat
Oregon
Lowe Creek Channel and Wetlands Restoration (application by Oregon Trout) Coos County, Oregon $87,375 The Lowe Creek Channel and Wetlands Restoration at Boatman Grove Fish and Wildlife Preserve project will restore estuarine and wetland habitat by removing the lower portion of Lowe Creek from its currently straightened, manmade ditch and reconnecting it with a meandering tidal channel and its historic mouth on the Coquille River. Approximately 107 acres and a full mile of stream habitat will be reconnected to its floodplain providing benefits for federally listed Coho salmon and bald eagles as well as Chinook salmon (a State-listed threatened species), steelhead, and little willow flycatcher.
Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery through Grassland Restoration at the Boardman Conservation Area (application by The Nature Conservancy) Morrow County, Oregon $36,563 The project objectives are to restore 50 acres of degraded grassland located in a former cattle holding pasture and 16 acres of former cattle watering and salt lick areas. The restoration activities funded under this project will benefit a number of at-risk species including the federally listed bald eagle and State-listed Lawrences milk-vetch, Washington ground squirrel (both Federal candidates), and northern wormwood.
Whychus Creek Habitat Restoration Project (application by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council) Deschutes County, Oregon $204,000* The goal of the Whychus Creek Stream Habitat Restoration Project is to restore a naturally functioning stream channel to provide high quality in-stream and riparian wetland habitat for the benefit of reintroduced steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and redband trout. The specific objectives are to restore 1.4 miles of high quality spawning and rearing habitat; restore functioning meadow hydrology and floodplain connectivity; provide an additional 115 acres of riparian wetland habitat; restore natural channel stability; provide balanced sediment transport; and reduce stream temperatures.
Pennsylvania
Restoration of bog turtle habitat at the Wilsey tract (application by Andrea M. Teti, Inc.) Bucks County, Pennsylvania $16,306.50 This project will restore a degraded bog turtle wetland by removing large amounts of woody vegetation. The Wilsey tract wetland is currently occupied by a population of bog turtles. Restoration is necessary at this location if a viable bog turtle population is to persist. Opening the canopy would promote the growth of herbaceous plant species and allow bog turtles to complete necessary life history functions such as basking and nesting.
South Carolina
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Associated Species and Habitats (application by Milliken Forestry Company, Inc.) Allendale, Barnwell, Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Charleston, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter and Williamsburg Counties, South Carolina $317,250* - The grantee will work in partnership with 35 private landowners to restore and improve longleaf pine habitat to benefit the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, a key indicator species for the longleaf ecosystem. Many of these landowners are currently enrolled in the South Carolina Safe Harbor Program. Activities include mid-story hardwood control, prescribed burning and planting of longleaf pine seedlings. Other species expected to benefit include: wood stork, Canbys dropwart, pond berry and chaff-seed as well as other species dependent upon the longleaf pine ecosystem. This project complements earlier work successfully accomplished that improved over 21,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat.
Restoration of Native Beach Dune Communities on Private Properties in South Carolina Through Eradication of Beach Vitex and Planting Native Dune Grasses (application by Clemson University) Horry, Georgetown, Charleston, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper Counties, South Carolina $135,000 Clemson University will work with 71 private landowners to remove beach vitex, an exotic shrub from the Pacific Rim, from beachfront properties along the South Carolina coast that are important habitat and nesting areas for species such as the federally threatened piping plover and four species of sea turtles. Specifically, the grantee will treat the shrub, remove it, and restore the native plant community by planting sea oats, bitter panicum and sweetgrass, a grass used by low-country basket weavers.
Program To Benefit the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bald Eagle, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bachmans Sparrow, and the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem at Arcadia Plantation, Georgetown County, South Carolina (application by Private Landowner) Georgetown County, South Carolina $32,470 The applicant will undertake prescribed burning on 1,000 acres, conduct mechanical midstory hardwood control on 50 acres and rotary cut an additional 57 acres to improve habitat for the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Arcadia Plantation is enrolled in the South Carolina Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program and manages their lands to benefit 11.5 groups of birds. Arcadias red-cockaded woodpecker population is considered a significant support population (i.e., it provides buffer and stability to the Francis Marion core population) in the Fish and Wildlife Services red-cockaded woodpecker recovery plan.
Tennessee
Species Conservation on the Upper Duck River: Focusing on Farmland (application by The Nature Conservancy) Maury, Marshall, Bedford and Coffee Counties, Tennessee) - $206,250 - The Nature Conservancy will work with 10 private landowners to establish riparian buffers, restore riparian and aquatic habitat, reduce sediment and chemical input to streams, construct cattle exclusion fencing and provide alternative water sources. The project complements other landscape level activities in this area, such as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agencys Landowner Incentive Program. The Duck River is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America supporting 11 federally listed freshwater mussels, 151 species of fish and 22 species of river snails. Species expected to benefit include the striated darter and federally endangered mussels such as the birdwing pearlymussel, Cumberlandian combshell, oyster mussel, tan riffleshell, among others.
Habitat Restoration and Preservation to Benefit Federally Endangered Orconectes shoupi (Nashville Crayfish) along Franklin Branch (application by Cumberland River Compact) Davidson and Williamson Counties, Tennessee - $56,861* - The grantee will work with private landowners along Franklin Branch, a tributary of Mill Creek, to restore riparian habitat to benefit the federally endangered Nashville crayfish, a crustacean endemic to Mill Creek. They will remove invasive bush honeysuckle, conduct streambank stabilization and plant the riparian zone with native species. The project is part of an overall effort to create an urban conservation corridor providing suitable habitat for this extremely rare species.
Texas
Reintroduction of Attwaters Prairie Chicken in the Refugio-Goliad Prairie (application by Coastal Prairies Coalition (CPC) of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative) - Victoria, Refugio and Goliad Counties, Texas - $415,789* The CPC will use the grant to establish infrastructure and utilize captive breeding stock to reintroduce Attwaters prairie chickens in historic range. Prior Private Stewardship Grants, Partners for Fish and Wildlife financial assistance and other activities have been used to restore historic habitat by reducing invasive brush and connecting desirable grasslands in the Refugio-Goliad Prairie of the middle gulf coast.
Modeling Habitat Restoration in the Texas Hill Country for Endangered Black-capped Vireos and Golden-cheeked Warblers (application by Bat Conservation International) Comal County, Texas - $44,874* This project is proposed to maintain and improve habitat areas and reestablish floral and faunal diversity on the former ranch that is now Bracken Bat Cave and Nature Preserve. Clearing and burning of invasive ash juniper followed by replanting with desirable native herbaceous and woody species will be carried out
Fire Restoration in the Chihuahuan Desert Region of Trans-Pecos Texas (application by The Nature Conservancy of Texas) - Brewster, Terrell, Culberson, Pecos, Reeves, Presidio and Jeff Davis Counties, Texas - $209,806* The Nature Conservancy of Texas will reestablish prescribed fire as a recognized conservation tool at priority conservation sites in the Trans-Pecos Texas region of the Chihuahuan Desert. This conservation tool will create habitat for black-capped vireo and other listed species occurring in this region. Habitat for sky island montane woodlands and savannas, desert springs and marshes, semi-arid plains grasslands and perennial desert streams will be enhanced and protected.
Restoration and Enhancement of Habitats on Private Lands for the Recovery of the Endangered Houston Toad (application by Environmental Defense) - Bastrop and Lee Counties, Texas - $71,082* This project is proposed to establish new, and measurably increase, existing populations of the endangered Houston toad on private lands by restoring degraded habitats and enhancing and linking existing habitats.
Utah
Recovery, Conservation, & Habitat Mgmt of White Dome Nature Preserve (application by The Nature Conservancy) Washington County, Utah $43,100* The Nature Conservancy will restore habitat on a recently acquired preserve for the endangered dwarf bear poppy and other listed species. The preserve will be fenced to prevent off-road vehicle use and the recovery of the site will be monitored over time.
Bonneville Cutthroat Trout Passage (application by Six Feathers Ranch) Rich County, Utah $40,000 The Six Feathers Ranch will improve a fish barrier and habitat on a Bonneville cutthroat trout stream to prevent upstream migration and hybridization with introduced rainbow trout. The riverine form of the Bonneville cutthroat trout is imperiled by habitat loss and hybridization with rainbow trout.
Also See Multi-State Proposals
Virginia
Enhancing Habitat in a Priority Stream Copper Creek (application by the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District and a Private Landowner) Scott County, Virginia $21,500 This grant will assist the landowner with a riparian restoration project along Copper Creek, in the Clinch River watershed in southwest Virginia. The goal of the restoration project is to improve stream quality and restore habitat for two endangered species, the purple bean and yellowfin madtom, as well as indirectly benefit several other listed species. The area being protected is approximately 5,000 feet of stream bank and 9 acres of riparian area.
Virginia Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Project (application by The Nature Conservancy) Sussex County, Virginia $88,006 This project will support the ongoing efforts for red-cockaded woodpecker habitat management at The Nature Conservancys Piney Grove Preserve. Piney Grove supports the only occurrence of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Virginia and the northernmost site for the species. The funding will enable expansion of red-cockaded woodpecker habitat through fire management on over 2,000 acres within the Piney Grove Preserve.
Washington
Tarboo Creek and Wetland Restoration (application by Northwest Watershed Institute) Jefferson County, Washington - $60,000 This project is a cooperative effort between Jefferson Land Trust, Jefferson County Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hood Canal Coordinating Council and others to restore 0.5 miles of Tarboo Creek mainstem, 0.5 miles of tributaries, and 40 acres of exceptionally rare forested bottomland wetlands. The restored stream channels and riparian areas will benefit Coho salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout, and threatened Puget Sound Chinook and Hood Canal summer chum salmon.
Wolf Haven Prairie Restoration (application by The Nature Conservancy) Thurston County, Washington - $74,000 The objective of this project is to restore high-quality prairie habitat. Improved habitat quality will provide opportunities for the enhancement, colonization, or introduction of six at-risk animal species including Mazama pocket gopher, Mardon skipper, and Taylors checkerspot (all Federal candidates). In addition, the federally threatened golden paintbrush will be re-introduced at the site. Golden paintbrush re-introduction will follow the guidelines outlined in the Recovery Plan for Golden Paintbrush.
Wisconsin
Karner Blue Butterfly and Associated Declining Species (application by Sand County Foundation) Adams, Green Lake, Jackson, Juneau, Marquette, Monroe, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood Counties, Wisconsin $137,600* Working in partnership with 22 landowners, 440 acres of habitat will be enhanced and restored through invasive species control, prescribed fire, tree canopy reductions, and native prairie seeding. The private lands are in areas where recovery and conservation of the species are likely to be achieved. The areas have been identified in the Recovery Units in the Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Plan and as Significant Population Areas and Areas of Conservation Emphasis in the Statewide HCP. It is estimated 56 at-risk species will benefit from this project including the prairie bush clover, Karner blue butterfly, Hills thistle, and eastern massasauga. The Sand County Foundation will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to develop agreements with private landowners.
Waumandee Creek Farm: A Prairie and Savanna Restoration (application by Private Landowner) Buffalo County, Wisconsin $21,000* This landowner will clear invading forest species on 28 acres in 4 locations to restore the critically imperiled oak savanna habitat. It is estimated the restoration will benefit at least seven at-risk species including white gentian, cliff goldenrod, dusted skipper and the dusty wing skipper.
Habitat Restoration for Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (application by Private Landowner) Rock County, Wisconsin $23,000 These adjoining neighbors will maintain, improve, and expand habitat for the Eastern prairie fringed orchid on this 476 acre area. Improvements in habitat will be through brush and tree removal, exotic species control, and seeding of native species to compete with invasive exotics. This project will affect over 50% of the known blooming orchids on private land in Wisconsin and directly meets the recovery actions outlined in the species recovery plan.
West Virginia
Izaak Walton League Cave Closure Project (application by the Mountaineer Chapter Izaak Walton League) Randolph County, West Virginia $11,000* This project will eliminate unauthorized human entry into a cave containing endangered Indiana bats and Virginia big-eared bats by installing a gate at the entrance to the cave. Human disturbance has been documented at the cave, and is expected to continue or increase if the cave is not gated.
* Denotes projects receiving partial funding
http://wwwfws.gov/endangered/grants/private_stewardship/FY%2007%20PSGP%20Award%20Summaries.pdf (18 pages; 78 KB)
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/private_stewardship/index.html
"The grants are for Land Acquisition and Conservation Efforts on Private Lands."
One Year Later Meeting
July 30 - August 1, 2006
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Participants Directory
http://www.wildlifeactionplans.org/pdfs/oyl_presentations/oyl_participants_directory.pdf
CBFWA [The Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority] Directory
April 27, 2007 http://www.cbfwa.org/directex.txt
Good Neighbor Committee
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