Group items tagged

2015 Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Deadline: December 15, 2015 The Secretary of Agriculture has a congressionally designated advisory council that assists the U.S. Forest Service in establishing the grant categories and recommendations of final proposals for the Forest Service to consider. This is the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC). The Council serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation's urban and community forests and related natural resources. The NUCFAC seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources, which, if well managed, improves the public's health, well-being, economic vitality, and creates resilient ecosystems for present and future generations. The Council recommends urban and community forestry projects that have national or multi-state application and impact through the U.S. Forest Service's competitive Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program. This year, the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) has identified three national grant categories: 1. Analysis and Solutions for Development and Redevelopment Impacts on Urban and Community Forests, 2. Building Human Health Through Urban and Community Forestry, and 3. Climate Change and Its Impact on Trees and Water. An applicant may apply to more than one category; however they are to use a separate application for each category. The purpose of these grants is to address national issues. This RFP is not for local or State-wide projects. Click on link http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac.shtml for full information on the 2016 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant. Search [CFDA number: 10.675], or [Grant Opportunity No.: USDA-FS-UCF-01-2016]. The grant applications are to be submitted through www.grants.gov. Contact Nancy Stremple, Natural Re

OVERVIEW When approved, this Award of $235,250 will fund the second phase of investigation for the Hemlock Forest Restoration Project Study (aka Hemlock Project). This Project is the first of-its-kind comprehensive, quantitative assessment of the water-cycle consequences (both positive and negative) of forest restoration in a Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest. The 12,000-acre landscape-restoration project site known as the Hemlock Project is located in the Stanislaus National Forest and Mokelumne River basin, which is an area that Congress has authorized the Bureau of Reclamation to investigate for water storage and improved water-management reliability in the Mokelumne River basin. The Hemlock Project is being managed with the involvement and cooperation of the Stanislaus National Forest who expects that the Hemlock Project's forest modifications will restore watershed functions by creating different forest-stand structures and densities. These modifications have multiple benefits including reducing the forest's susceptibility to insect, disease, and drought-related mortality; reducing surface fuels, increasing the height to canopy, and decreasing crown density; retaining large, fire-resistant trees; maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat; enhancing the extent and connectivity of aspen stands; and improving resource and watershed conditions. These actions will also enhance water-supply reliability by restoring the fraction of precipitation that leaves the basin as runoff versus evapotranspiration; guard against erosion, water-quality problems and snowpack losses associated with wildfire; and maintain water and forest health as the climate warms and evaporative demand increases. This application is for the second phase of funding, generally representing years 3 through 4 of the proposed 10 year period of investigation for the Hemlock Project Study

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) Matching Awards Program (MAP) provides funding for results-oriented on-the-ground projects that enhance forest health and outdoor experiences on National Forests and Grasslands. MAP supports the implementation of on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects that have an immediate, quantifiable impact on the National Forest System. These projects provide a lasting impact to the lands, waters, and wildlife of the National Forest System through the alteration of the physical environment. The current NFF strategic plan focuses on the Program Areas of Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health. Organizations may self-select into one of the Program Areas defined below, or choose to submit a proposal that cohesively integrates the two Program Areas. Projects that strongly integrate the program areas are highly encouraged. The NFF does not have funding targets for the Program Areas, and strongly encourages applicants to integrate the programs areas cohesively in their proposals.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Forest and Woodland Resource Management Program manages and conserves 58 million acres of forest and woodland in 12 western States and Alaska. These forests provide a range of ecosystem services including wildlife habitat, hydrologic function, and sustainable harvest of forest products valued by society. A primary activity of the program is to maintain and improve the resilience of forest and woodland ecosystems to wildfire, insects, disease, and drought through density management using timber sales, Stewardship agreements, and Good Neighbor (GNA) agreements. Priority activities under this announcement include preparation, administration, or implementation of timber sales, Stewardship and GNA projects that treat forest and woodlands.

Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation engages Americans in national and community-based programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the hundred-and-ninety-three-million-acre National Forest System and administers private gifts for the benefit of national forests. In support of that mission, the NFF Matching Awards Program (MAP) provides funding for results-oriented on-the-ground projects that enhance forest health and outdoor experiences in national forests and grasslands.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Forest and Woodland Resource Management Program manages and conserves 58 million acres of forest and woodland in 12 western States and Alaska. These forests provide a range of ecosystem services including wildlife habitat, hydrologic function, and sustainable harvest of forest products valued by society. A primary activity of the program is to maintain and improve the resilience of forest and woodland ecosystems to wildfire, insects, disease, and drought through density management using timber sales, Stewardship agreements, and Good Neighbor (GNA) agreements.

The Secretary of Agriculture has a congressionally designated advisory council that assists the U.S. Forest Service in establishing the grant categories and recommendations of final proposals for the Forest Service to consider. This is the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council).The Council serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation's urban and community forests and related natural resources. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources, which, if well managed, improves the public's health, well-being, economic vitality, and creates resilient ecosystems for present and future generations.Urban and Community Forestry Program RequirementsThe Council recommends urban and community forestry projects that have national or multi-state application and impact through the U.S. Forest Service's competitive Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program. A proposal's content must meet the Urban and Community Forestry program authorities as designated by Congress in the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, (Section 9 PDF, pp. 19-24) State & Private Cooperative Forestry Handbook of Programs and the annual criteria set forth by the Council. A listing of the previously funded projects can be viewed at Urban Forestry South list of past NUCFAC grants

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs' (OES) Office of Conservation and Water (ECW) at the Department of State, announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") for Mapping and Analysis of Illegally Harvested Timber and Forest Products in Global Trade, to work with developing countries and partners to gather data and build capacity to identify, analyze, and map illegal timber and forest products trade in key regions for forest production and trade. The results aim to influence policy makers in these regions, and will inform ongoing U.S. programs and the design and implementation of future interventions to assist developing countries in combating illegal logging and associated trade (ILAT). Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations, and educational institutions. A cooperative agreement (CA) for up to $492,500 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2017 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will support data analysis of global ILAT, including species of concern, drivers of the trade, trade routes and other relevant intelligence at the global, regional, national and subnational levels. The initial period of performance will be for 24 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs' (OES) Office of Conservation and Water (ECW) at the Department of State, announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") for Mapping and Analysis of Illegally Harvested Timber and Forest Products in Global Trade, to work with developing countries and partners to gather data and build capacity to identify, analyze, and map illegal timber and forest products trade in key regions for forest production and trade. The results aim to influence policy makers in these regions, and will inform ongoing U.S. programs and the design and implementation of future interventions to assist developing countries in combating illegal logging and associated trade (ILAT). Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations, and educational institutions. A cooperative agreement (CA) for up to $492,500 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2017 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will support data analysis of global ILAT, including species of concern, drivers of the trade, trade routes and other relevant intelligence at the global, regional, national and subnational levels. The initial period of performance will be for 24 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs' (OES) Office of Conservation and Water (ECW) at the Department of State, announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") for Mapping and Analysis of Illegally Harvested Timber and Forest Products in Global Trade, to work with developing countries and partners to gather data and build capacity to identify, analyze, and map illegal timber and forest products trade in key regions for forest production and trade. The results aim to influence policy makers in these regions, and will inform ongoing U.S. programs and the design and implementation of future interventions to assist developing countries in combating illegal logging and associated trade (ILAT). Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations, and educational institutions. A cooperative agreement (CA) for up to $492,500 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2017 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will support data analysis of global ILAT, including species of concern, drivers of the trade, trade routes and other relevant intelligence at the global, regional, national and subnational levels. The initial period of performance will be for 24 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs' (OES) Office of Conservation and Water (ECW) at the Department of State, announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") for Mapping and Analysis of Illegally Harvested Timber and Forest Products in Global Trade, to work with developing countries and partners to gather data and build capacity to identify, analyze, and map illegal timber and forest products trade in key regions for forest production and trade. The results aim to influence policy makers in these regions, and will inform ongoing U.S. programs and the design and implementation of future interventions to assist developing countries in combating illegal logging and associated trade (ILAT). Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit/nongovernmental organizations subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U. S. tax code, foreign not-for-profit/nongovernmental organizations, and educational institutions. A cooperative agreement (CA) for up to $492,500 U.S. Dollars (USD) in FY 2017 Economic Support Funds (ESF) will be awarded for work that will support data analysis of global ILAT, including species of concern, drivers of the trade, trade routes and other relevant intelligence at the global, regional, national and subnational levels. The initial period of performance will be for 24 months. Funding authority rests in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.

The purpose of this project is to protect and restore 59 acres of lowland wet forest in the Lower Limahuli Preserve (LLP) and to conduct rare plant restoration in the ungulate-free Upper Limahuli Preserve (ULP) on the island of Kauai to benefit native plants, birds, and forest invertebrate resources. In the LLP, the restoration effort will entail the installation of approximately 4,100 feet of strategic lineal fencing that will restrict feral pigs from accessing the forest and restoration project area. In the ULP, the restoration effort will involve the establishment and protection of reproducing populations of three PEP species that are declining and considered species at high risk of imminent extinction (HRIE) on approximately 100 acres. The project area is owned by the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) and they will be providing $13,600 in in-kind contributions for the project. NTBG, a 501(c) (3) institution, is the most appropriate organization to implement this agreement as they own the land and have been a key and leading organization for the collection of endemic Hawaiian propagules and growing endemic Hawaiian plants for the past 20 years. The USFWS will provide Recovery Program funds for this project. This project will benefit the public by maintaining trust resources and Kauai¿s native biodiversity.

This program will support implementation of the Island Lake Fire Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) Plan. This BAR plan describes activities and treatments for lands and wildlife habitats burned during the Island Lake Fire. The fire burned wetland, riparian and upland vegetation composed of a mix of native and exotic species. The primary fire carrier was common reed (Phragmites australis), which allowed the fire to spread quickly throughout the river corridor. Dense stands of exotic saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and areas with sparse and healthy stands of native mesquite, cottonwood, and willow were also consumed. Potential restoration sites were initially evaluated based on vegetation, site conditions, soils, water table depth, and fire severity. Sites were then prioritized based on the probability for restoration success. Strategic restoration efforts will be focused in areas encompassing about 6 percent (ca 200 acres) of the overall 3,304 acre fire. The identified restoration areas will be further refined through on the ground evaluation of desirable site characteristics listed above. The primary rehabilitation concern is re establishment of native wildlife habitats including riparian cottonwood and willow forest and mesquite woodlands. These habitats are increasingly rare and very productive for a diversity of wildlife species. This rehabilitation effort will focus on facilitated recovery of native species through integrated removal and herbicide treatment of exotics, cottonwood and willow pole planting, mesquite seeding, and flood irrigation. Activities under this funding opportunity will include, but are not limited to:Preparing restoration site boat accessAssistance with restoration site assessmentsRemoval of non-native saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and common reed (Phragmites australis) through manual removal or herbicide treatmentsSite preparation activities such as raking, irrigating, and soil preparationMesquite seed collectionCottonwood and willow pole harvestingPol

The Amazon plays a major role in regulating regional and global climate. Some models suggest that if the Amazon experiences 20 percent to 25 percent deforestation, some forested areas would convert to tropical savanna, impacting global climatic stability. Deforestation is currently at 17 percent, making the Amazon's protection and management critical for both the people who call it home and for the rest of the planet. Long-term protection of the Amazon requires active participation and leadership from the communities that live within and near it. These communities are often deeply reliant on forest resources and also often have an intricate understanding of local ecological relationships that can influence the success of conservation efforts. Numerous studies have found that lower levels of deforestation are associated with Indigenous territories versus other protected areas. Sustainable forest conservation requires empowering and supporting these communities, enabling them to maximize the effectiveness of their conservation efforts while also improving their own lives and futures.

The overall goal of the program is to improve the quality and connectivity of forest and freshwater habitat in order to increase the distribution and abundance of fish, birds and other wildlife, as evidenced by a suite of species that collectively are indicators of forest and freshwater habitat condition. The program aims to: improve the management of public and private forestlands in order to create blocks with a mosaic of mixed-aged forests that support a diversity of bird and wildlife species, especially targeting golden-winged warbler, wood thrush and cerulean warbler; and bolster populations of eastern brook trout, eastern hellbender and native freshwater mussels by removing barriers to fish passage, restoring riparian and in-stream habitat, and improving water quality and hydrology. Applicants are encouraged to deploy a range of strategies to engage public and private landowners in active stewardship through technical and financial assistance, demonstrations, education and outreach and other innovative approaches.

The Valles Caldera National Preserve (VALL) is currently undergoing a landscape restoration project, funded under the DOI Resilient Landscapes program, to restore natural fire regimes to the forest and grassland watersheds on the Preserve. Large-scale restoration efforts involve forest thinning to reduce fuel loads, and prescribed and managed fires to further eliminate fuels and allow for natural fire regimes to return to the landscape. Fires can have varying impacts on watershed function, particularly with respect to water quality and discharge amounts and timing. Post-fire flash floods can result if watersheds are burned severely. VALL has been subjected to two recent large-scale uncharacteristic wildfires (the 2011 Las Conchas fire, and the 2013 Thompson Ridge fire), which led to multiple post-fire flash floods and subsequent damage to fisheries and aquatic macro-invertebrate communities on severely-burned watersheds. While fish and invertebrate communities are currently recovering, ongoing restoration efforts using prescribed fires may continue to impact these biological resources. The goal of the proposed work will be to monitor and characterize response and rate of recovery of the aquatic systems subjected to wildfire and restoration activities throughout the VALL.

This agreement is a continuation of Cooperative Agreement F07AC00011 and is being implemented in order to manage efforts for the recovery of Hawaiian birds through the operation, design, and construction of captive propagation facilities in the State of Hawaii and reintroduction of captive-reared birds. This objective is for the continued survival of Hawaiian forest birds including the endangered alala or Hawaiian crow, and reintroduction of Hawaiian forest birds and the alala to the wild as per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved documents.

Save the Redwoods League supports basic and applied hypothesis-driven research on the biology and ecology of coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. To conserve and restore these ecosystems in the coming decades, the League funds research that expands our understanding of ecosystem function, community interactions, rare and threatened species, and the impact of climate change on redwood forests. We welcome proposals on all topics that advance our understanding of these ecosystems.

From coral reefs and lowland rainforests to pine savannas, grasslands and high mountain forest, Central America is home to some of the richest forest and marine ecosystems on earth. Although the region contains less than one percent of the world's land surface, because of the variety of its habitats and its role as a bridge between North and South America, it possesses a disproportionate share about 7 percent of our planet's biodiversity. Unfortunately, despite tremendous progress over the last two decades, Central America remains one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots due to one of the highest land conversion and deforestation rates in both Latin America and the world.

NRCS is the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) conservation agency working with farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners nationwide to identify and address natural resource objectives in balance with operational goals in order to benefit soil, water, wildlife, and related natural resources locally, regionally, and nationally. NRCS works in partnership with other entities to accelerate getting conservation on the ground. Through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners in innovative, workable, and cost-effective approaches to benefit farming, ranching, and forest operations, local economies, and the communities and resources in a watershed or other geographic area. RCPP partners develop project applications, as described in this notice, to address specific natural resource objectives in a proposed area or region.