Environment DEC
From the June 2007 issue
Second Round of Habitat/Access Grants Announced
Protection of game habitat is one type of project that qualifies for grant funding
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that it is reopening the application period for grant proposals to 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.
As a result of a procedural error with advertising the request for proposals in the New York State Register, DEC is required to extend the application period for the Habitat/Access Stamp Grants. Applications received during the first call for grants will carry over to this application period.
Grants Foster Protection of Sensitive Ecosystems
"DEC wants to ensure that anyone eligible for these grants has an opportunity to submit an application for projects that protect New York's unique habitats and enhance outdoor recreational activities," Commissioner Grannis said. "The Habitat/Access Stamp grant program fosters continued protection of our sensitive ecosystems and essential wildlife habitat, while further enriching outdoor experiences for residents across the Empire State."
A total of $100,000 of grant funding is available to allow municipalities, not-for-profit corporations, and individuals sponsored by these organizations to carry out small scale projects that benefit both the fish and wildlife resources, and sportsmen and women of New York. The funds are from the voluntary sales of the $5.00 Habitat Stamp sold by licensed sales agents throughout the state. Proceeds from the sale of Habitat Stamps are put into a special habitat account within the Conservation Fund.
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 DEC. Proposals should describe how the project will meet the objective of improving habitat for fish and wildlife or improving access to these resources. Available funding will range from $1,500 to $15,000 per project.
Technical Assistance is Available
Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources staff are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. Staff will assemble a panel to evaluate and score submitted projects based on an established rating criteria. Eligible projects must accomplish fish and wildlife habitat restoration, creation or improvement of access for hunting, trapping, fishing, or fish and wildlife study or observation.
Applicants must either 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 June 22, 2007. Applications must be submitted to: Gerald Barnhart, Director, NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-4750.
Download Grant Applications
Grant applications may be obtained by contacting any DEC Regional Office or by downloading them from the Habitat/Access Funding Grants web page on DEC's website.
