Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC Requests Applications for a Second Round of Habitat/Access Grants
Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently announced that DEC is again requesting proposals for habitat/access grants to fund projects exclusively aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat and public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and fish and wildlife related recreation and study.
Protecting Sensitive Ecosystems/Enriching Outdoor Experiences
"DEC is committed to protecting New York's unique habitats and enhancing outdoor recreational activities for all ages," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This grant program, funded with the help of the state's most dedicated environmental stewards, will ensure continued protection of our sensitive ecosystems and essential wildlife habitat, while further enriching outdoor experiences for sportsmen and women across the Empire State."
The program is funded through sales
of the Habitat Access stamp
A total of $100,000 is available. The grants will allow municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and individuals sponsored by those organizations to carry out small scale projects that benefit the fish and wildlife resources and sportsmen and women of New York State. The funds come from the $5 Habitat/Access Stamps sold by sporting license sales agents throughout New York. Proceeds from the sale of Habitat/Access Stamps go into a special Habitat Account within the Conservation Fund.
Application Procedures
Grant proposals must be submitted using the application supplied by the DEC and following the procedures outlined in the "Habitat/Access Stamp Funding Program, Application and Instructions (Fiscal Year 2006-07)" available from the DEC. Proposals should describe how the project will meet the objective of improving habitat for fish and wildlife or improving access to those resources. Applications may request funding between the amounts of $1,500 to $15,000 per project. Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources staff are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC staff will assemble a panel to evaluate and score submitted projects based on an established rating criteria.
Application Deadline and Other Information
Applicants must own the land where the project will be implemented or have permission from the landowner to carry out the activity. The grant application deadline is February 5, 2007. Applications must be submitted to: Gerald Barnhart, Director, NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-4750. Grant applications may be obtained by contacting any DEC regional office or from the Habitat/Access Funding Process web page on DEC's website (see "Related Links" below).
