Environment DEC
From the December 2004 issue
DEC Accepting Habitat/Access Funding Grant Applications
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty announced that DEC is requesting proposals for grants that will fund projects aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat and public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other fish and wildlife related recreation and study.
Sales of the habitat stamps
have raised $100,000 in
grant money to help manage
the state's lands and
wildlife resources
"New York State is home to some of the most important habitat and wonderful outdoor experiences anywhere in the world," Commissioner Crotty said. "This grant program, funded with the help of the state's most dedicated conservationists, will ensure that sensitive natural areas are protected and that New Yorkers will continue to enjoy the rewarding experiences available in the great outdoors."
Eligible Projects
The grants will allow municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and individuals to carry out small-scale projects that will benefit natural resources and the sportsmen and sportswomen of New York State. A total of $100,000 is available for fish and wildlife habitat restoration, creation or improvement and/or access for hunting, trapping or fishing, or fish and wildlife study or observation.
Proposals should describe how a project will meet the objective of improving habitat for fish and wildlife or improving access to those resources. Applicants must own the land where the project will be implemented, or have permission from the landowner to carry out the activity.
Habitat/Access Stamp Funds
Grants funds are from sales of a $5 Habitat/Access Stamp sold by licensing agents throughout New York State. Proceeds from these sales go into a special "Habitat Account" within the Conservation Fund. Funds may be requested in amounts between $1,500 and $14,999 to conduct improvement projects.
Grant proposals must be submitted on applications provided by DEC and following the procedures outlined in the "Habitat/Access Stamp Funding Program, Application and Instructions (Fiscal Year 2004)," also available from DEC.
Assistance and Evaluation
DEC regional staff from the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. They also will assemble a panel to evaluate and score submitted projects based upon an established rating criteria.
Applications and Deadline
Grant applications are available at DEC's regional offices throughout New York State and on DEC's Web Site. The link below leads to a page that includes another link to the application itself.
Applications must be submitted to: Gerald Barnhart, Director, NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-4750. The application deadline is Friday, January 7, 2005.
