Idaho Watershed Initiative Grant Proposals Due

The deadline for grant proposals under the Idaho Watershed Initiative is just a week away; they are due December 21. This pilot grant program for Idaho watersheds covers the fiscal year July 2009-June 2010. The grants would fund proposals restoring watersheds, providing healthy forests, shrub-steppe, and wetland landscapes. This year, Idaho hunting and fishing license dollars are funding the $250,000 grant program. Other funding sources will be necessary if the Idaho Watershed Initiative is to continue beyond state fiscal year 2010. Watershed restoration projects on private, state, and federal lands are eligible. Acquisition costs, conservation easements costs and salaries are not eligible for Idaho Watershed Initiative funds. The 2009 request for proposals is focused on Idaho Department of Fish and Game Magic Valley, Southeast, and Upper Snake administrative regions. Proposals outside of the focus area will be considered but will be scored lower for being outside of the focus area. Proposals whose proponents and cooperating entities are providing $3 for every $1 of initiative funds requested will score higher than proposals providing smaller matching fund amounts. Matching funds include private, state, and federal dollars, and in-kind labor, volunteer time and equipment. Grant requests may be for any amount up to the maximum available grant funds of $250,000. Grant application forms and the grant scoring criteria are available on the Fish and Game Website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/iwi/. For additional information contact Don Kemner, Fish and Game wildlife program coordinator at 208-287-2748 or don.kemner@idfg.idaho.gov