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The NOAA Marine Debris Program, authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, codified at 33 U.S.C. 1951-1958, provides funding to support locally-driven, marine debris prevention, assessment, and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. Funding for this purpose comes through the NOAA Marine Debris Program as appropriations to the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service. Projects awarded through this grant competition will implement effective, on-the-ground marine debris removal activities, with priority for those targeting medium- large-scale debris, including derelict fishing gear. Projects should also provide benefits to coastal communities, and create long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation NOAA identifies marine debris removal projects, fosters awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats, and contributes to the understanding of marine debris composition, distribution and impacts. Successful proposals through this solicitation will be funded through cooperative agreements. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants in FY2016. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000

The NOAA Marine Debris Program, authorized in the Marine Debris Act, codified at 33 U.S.C. 1951-1958, supports the development and implementation of locally-driven, marine debris prevention, assessment, and removal projects that benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. Projects awarded through this grant competition will create long-term, quantifiable ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources through on-the-ground marine debris removal activities, with priority for those targeting derelict fishing gear and other medium- and large-scale debris. Projects should also foster awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats, and contribute to the understanding of marine debris composition, distribution and impacts. Successful proposals through this solicitation will be funded through cooperative agreements. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Marine Debris Removal grants in Fiscal Year 2019. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000. Funding for this grant competition comes through the NOAA Marine Debris Program as appropriations to the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service

This is an announcement for issuing a single source financial assistance award to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game ¿ Division of Ecological Restoration (MADER). This announcement is for notification purposes only. The intent of the award to be implemented in Falmouth, Massachusetts is to remove two small dams, restore a former commercial cranberry bog to natural wetland and riverine habitats, and replace an undersized and failing stream crossing (culverts) on a heavily traveled road with a larger, safer structure. The proposed project complements the first dam removal on the Coonamessett River that was completed in 2017, and includes the removal of the second dam from the ocean, replacement of the failing John Parker Road/Coonamessett River crossing, and restoration of floodplain wetlands. The existing road crossing consists of three two-foot diameter culverts, two of which have collapsed and no longer function. When complete, the entire project will provide improved public safety and enhanced infrastructure resiliency, while concurrently providing flood protection for the road, improved water quality, and restored fish passage. The dam removal and the replaced stream crossing will provide full access for migratory (alewife, blueback herring, American eel) and resident fish to 2.2 miles of free-flowing river, provide fish access to 158 acres of pond habitat for spawning under a range of flow conditions, restore 4,600 feet of stream channel, and restore 56 acres of wetlands.

Background: Planning for the Bear Creek cooperative project, which consists of instream restoration and barrier culvert removal, began in 2009 with local land owners, Lane County planning/engineering, BLM fisheries staff and staff from the Long Tom River Watershed Council (LTWC). The project is located within the Long Tom River 5th Field Watershed Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC). Five phases have been proposed. Phase one (Lane County) was completed in the fall of 2014 and consisted of the removal of a barrier culvert and replacement with a fish friendly pipe on County Road 4096. Phase two consists of the replacement of a fish barrier culvert on road 19-5-22.1. This culvert will be replaced in the summer of 2015 with a fish passage culvert through a BLM contract. Phase 3 and 4 will be completed under this assistance agreement. Phase five is located upstream of the above mentioned restoration work. Phase five work has been initiated by BLM fisheries staff in the summer of 2014 and consisted of pulling trees and zip lining them into the stream channel and also falling stream adjacent trees into Bear Creek. Phase 5 would occur on BLM Section 21, of T19S R5W future similar work will continue to occur based on funding. NEPA has been completed for all phases of the Bear Creek project. Match funding for this project has been awarded to BLM and LTWC cooperators for phases 3 and 4. These funds cannot be used by any other recipients.

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

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (CPEN) is located in the northwestern portion of San Diego County, immediately north of Oceanside, California. On CPEN, also referred to as the Base or installation, there is known nesting of Endangered Species Act (ESA) federally listed Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus, SNPL) and California Least Terns (Sternula antillarum browni, LETE) located on Blue Beach, White Beach, and Salt Flats (Santa Margarita River salt flat area). The nesting populations of these species have historically been predated upon by various species. To reduce the predation levels on these populations of federally listed species, the predators are removed from the area using lethal and non-lethal means. Some of the species predating on SNPL and LETE include falcons, corvids, skunks, coyotes and others. Historically, wildlife species have also caused problems in CPEN housing areas. These species have been removed, and/or managed using lethal and non-lethal means for human health and welfare and for the hydrological management of the aquifers of CPEN. These species include coyotes, bobcats, snakes, skunks and others.

The goal of the Environmental Engineering program is to support transformative research which applies scientific and engineering principles to avoid or minimize solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges, resulting from human activities on land, inland and coastal waters, and air, while promoting resource and energy conservation and recovery.  The program also fosters cutting-edge scientific research for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring the waste assimilative capacity of the natural environment and for removing or reducing contaminants from polluted air, water, and soils.

The goal of the Environmental Engineering program is to support transformative research which applies scientific and engineering principles to avoid or minimize solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges, resulting from human activities on land, inland and coastal waters, and air, while promoting resource and energy conservation and recovery.  The program also fosters cutting-edge scientific research for identifying, evaluating, and monitoring the waste assimilative capacity of the natural environment and for removing or reducing contaminants from polluted air, water, and soils.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program, authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq.) as amended by the Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2012 (P.L. 112-213, Title VI, Sec. 603, 126 Stat. 1576, December 20, 2012), provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally-driven, community-based marine debris prevention, assessment, and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources.

ABC Wildlife humanely manages urban wildlife and insects in the interest of human health and safety from an environmental sustainability perspective with a love of nature and a deep respect for all living things. ABC Wildlife has offered humane wildlife removal services to the Chicagoland area for over 35 years.  As a woman-owned corporation operating in a largely male field, ABC Wildlife understands the remarkable impact women can have when allowed to break through. We want to pave the way for other women pursuing their dreams in the scientific world, which is why ABC Wildlife is introducing a scholarship designed to increase the number of women studying and influencing the future of science, including technology, engineering and math.

Background: The BLM Richfield Field Office works together with Utah State Parks, the Forest Service, and private land owners to manage and maintain the Paiute Trail and other motorized trails to provide a unique and seamless experience for users and the public. This trail is over 900 miles long and benefits the local economies of multiple communities, draws in thousands of visitors each year, and helps maintain solid working relationships between the agencies and landowners with cohesive goals to benefit the public through the motorized trail systems. The BLM has worked with and Utah State Parks for the past 5 years to provide maintenance, public outreach, and to improve the trails for the benefit of the public. The BLM Richfield Field Office is seeking proposals to assist with maintenance, education, and monitoring on the Paiute and associated OHV trails. Objective: 1. The partner and BLM will continue to provide monitoring, education, and maintenance on over 150 miles of motorized and Paiute ATV trail on public lands, provide upkeep on kiosks and trailheads, litter removal and to provide a quality experience for thousands of recreational visitors. Areas to be maintained include recreation areas and trailheads associated with the motorized trails. Otter Creek trail access including Fishermans Beach, Tamarisk Point, and South Point. Sauls Meadow, Kingston Canyon, Aurora Open Area, Glenwood Open Area, Bicknelll Bottoms Trailheads, Koosharem Reservoir, and other recreation areas and trailheads along the trails will be maintained. Work would also include public outreach and education, trail work, maintenance, sign installation and maintenance, clearing, improving, and additional work and special projects as needed along the motorized trails on public land connecting communities, state parks, and trailheads. This would ensure a well-marked, signed, and maintained long-distance trail system with adequate support facilities that are open to the general public for recreati

The Asian Elephant Conservation Fund solicits project proposals for the conservation of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) throughout its range. In 1997, with awareness of the increasing threat to the welfare of the already endangered Asian elephant The Asian Elephant Conservation Act was signed into law. The Act provides for the conservation of Asian elephants by supporting conservation programs in countries within the range of Asian elephants, and the projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of Asian elephants. The Asian Elephant Conservation Fund supports projects that promote conservation of Asian elephants and their habitats through: Applied research on elephant populations and their habitats, including surveys and monitoring; Activities that result in fewer wild elephants being removed from the wild, reduce demand in consumer countries for ivory and other body parts, and prevent illegal killing of elephants; Development and execution of elephant conservation management plans; Compliance with applicable treaties and laws that prohibit or regulate the taking or trade of elephants or regulate the use and management of elephant habitat; Conservation education and community outreach; Enhanced protection of at-risk elephant populations; Efforts to decrease human-elephant conflict; Habitat conservation and management, including improved protected area management in important elephant ranges; Strengthening local capacity to implement conservation programs; Transfrontier elephant conservation; and Wildlife inspection, law enforcement, and forensics skills. Support will also be given to projects that enhance the knowledge of decision makers and other stakeholders. These include legislators, teachers, school children, journalists, tourists, non-governmental organizations, and private sector organizations or businesses in order to strengthen their ability to positively influence wildlife conservation, management, legislation, policy, and finan

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The International Affairs Program delivers on this mission through its financial assistance programs by supporting strategic projects that deliver measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats around the world. Background: Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be a multibillion-dollar business involving the unlawful harvest and trade of animals and plants. It has broad security implications, with corruption and sophisticated transnational crime syndicates at the center of poaching and trafficking. Wildlife trafficking removes hundreds of thousands of animals and plants from wild populations each year and raises extinction risk for endangered species, often the target of wildlife crime because of their rarity and increased economic value. Wildlife trafficking also harms a country¿s natural resources and local communities which might otherwise benefit from tourism or legal, sustainable trade. The USFWS is designated as the U.S. Management and Scientific Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is the only global treaty to ensure that the international trade in plants and animals does not threaten species survival in the wild. The capacity of all CITES Parties to implement and enforce the Convention is fundamental to its effectiveness and has been the focus of ongoing efforts, particularly in developing countries and economies in transition.

The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), authorized in the Marine Debris Act (33 U.S.C. 1951-1958), provides funding to support eligible organizations to conduct research directly related to marine debris through field, laboratory, and modeling experiments. The MDP invites applications for research funding in any of three areas of focus: research that explores the ecological risk associated with marine debris and determines debris exposure levels; research that examines the fate and transport of marine debris; and/or research that quantifies habitat impacts resulting from marine debris and the gains in ecosystem services that result when debris is removed. Projects may address one or more of these research priorities and should be original, hypothesis-driven projects that have not previously been addressed to scientific standards. Successful proposals through this solicitation will be funded through cooperative agreements. Funding of up to $1,500,000 is expected to be available for Marine Debris Research grants in Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19). Typical awards will range from $150,000 - $250,000. Funding for this grant competition comes through the NOAA Marine Debris Program as appropriations to the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service.

The main objective of this project is the repair of the Linville Falls National Historic Trail, repairing a section of the trail between the Linville Falls Visitor Center and the first overlook. Objectives include: Coordinate in advance details of project with NCYCC and NPS Staff. Project work for NCYCC staff through entire time of project. Provide coordinate work with both NPS and NCYCC staff through project timeline. Provide guidance and mentorship to NCYCC staff by intergrating NPS staff with work crew. Remove safety issues caused by long standing drainage issues. Improve visitor experience

This project will pro-actively restore and improve Federally Endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus; SWFL) habitat at prioritized sites along the Colorado River Corridor in Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA). The biological control agent northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) began establishing in the park in 2009, and is successfully defoliating non-native tamarisk, altering what has become important habitat for the SWFL. While tamarisk management is in alignment with NPS policies and plans, the NPS must also protect endangered and sensitive species that have adapted to tamarisk-dominated riparian habitat. This project will focus on selective tamarisk removal during the non-breeding season in order to minimize impacts to avian species and installation of native species to fill its niche. This work is in accordance with the 2002 USFWS Recovery Plan, the 2006 Colorado River Management Plan EIS, and the 2009 Invasive Plant Management Plan EA. The project will focus on assessment, design and vegetative and habitat restoration at Cardenas Camp RM 71.7L, as well as assessment and design components for restoring Grand Canyon Youth Camp (GCY) RM 274L .

The BLM-(Nevada) Wildlife Program helps ensure self-sustaining populations and a natural abundance and diversity of wildlife on public lands for the enjoyment and use of present and future generations. The Program is responsible for maintaining, restoring, and conserving species and their habitats in cooperation with the Federal and State wildlife agencies, and other partner organizations. BLM-administered public lands are home to thousands of mammal, reptile, avian, amphibian, and invertebrate species over some of our nation's most ecologically diverse and essential habitat. The BLM will work with partners and maintain close collaboration with States, Tribes, other Federal agencies, and other organizations in conserving and restoring wildlife habitats to support wildlife and wildlife uses under a shared conservation stewardship approach. The BLM uses the latest geospatial data technologies to share wildlife and wildlife data within BLM and with partners to work more efficiently. The Wildlife Program leverages funds with other BLM programs to address vegetation restoration that not only improves wildlife habitat, but also increases forage for livestock, improves water quality, removes invasive weed species, and reduces the threat for catastrophic wildfires.

The AAC Cornerstone Conservation Grant, powered by REI, formally launched in 2011 with the goal of funding projects to improve, conserve, and protect local climbing resources across the country. Since that first year, we have awarded nearly $205,000 to local climbing organizations (LCOs), land managers and agencies, nonprofits, and individuals for projects as varied as building or improving trail networks to climbing areas; establishing new toilet facilities and signage at trailheads; and deploying a variety of community groups for clean-up and graffiti removal at local crags.

Improve access to and use of heritage resources, and promote their educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational values in a manner that meets U.S. Department of Interior priorities and Cultural Heritage and Paleontology Program goals. Individual projects shall meet one or more objectives: 1. Conduct studies, including inventory, excavation, records research, and collections-based research to improve the understanding of America¿s natural and cultural history; 2. Monitor at-risk heritage resources to track trends in condition and project effectiveness; 3. Stabilize at-risk heritage resources; 4. Train future cultural resource management practitioners and paleontologists through research projects, field schools and internships that capitalize on BLM heritage resources; 5. Assist with cultural heritage data and records management activities such as organizing, maintaining, and scanning site and survey records; creating, digitizing and maintaining geospatial data; and performing data entry; and 6. Preserve existing collections at recognized curation facilities through such activities as archival housing, stabilization or conservation. 7. Promote engagement with Native American communities and foster partnerships with tribal governments and programs; and 8. Promote public engagement, learning opportunities, and archaeological and/or paleontological ethics through heritage resources education and outreach programs, events, and products. 9. Conduct studies directed at determining impacts to heritage resources caused by activities such as prescribed fire, juniper control projects, vegetation removal by chaining or any land disturbing activity. 10. Stabilize at-risk historic structures 11. Develop and maintain historic sites with interpretive and educational potential.

Collaboratively manage and coordinate treatments, inventories, monitoring, education and outreach, and prevention activities to control new infestations and treatment to remove existing infestations of noxious weeds and invasive species in order to gain efficiencies across multiple jurisdictions.

The BLM will work with partners and maintain close collaboration with States, Tribes, other Federal agencies, and other organizations in conserving and restoring wildlife habitats to support wildlife and wildlife uses under a shared conservation stewardship approach on public lands across the state boundaries. The BLM uses the latest geospatial data technologies to share wildlife and wildlife data within BLM and with partners to work more efficiently. The Wildlife Program leverages funds with other BLM programs to address vegetation restoration that not only improves wildlife habitat, but also increases forage for livestock, improves water quality, removes invasive weed species, and reduces the threat of catastrophic wildfires.