For Release: Thursday, November 18, 2004
DEC Accepting Habitat/access Funding Grant Applications
Projects Will Target Improved Habitat and Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today 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.
A total of $100,000 is available to fish and wildlife habitat management and the improvement of public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other fish and wildlife-related recreation and study. 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 women of New York State.
"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 New Yorkers continue to enjoy the rewarding experiences available in the great outdoors."
The funds are from the voluntary sales of a $5 Habitat Stamp sold by license sales agents throughout New York. Proceeds from the sales of habitat stamps go into a special "Habitat Account" within the Conservation Fund. Funds can be requested in amounts between $1,500 and $14,999 to conduct improvement projects.
Grant proposals must be submitted using the application supplied by DEC and following the procedures outlined in the "Habitat/Access Stamp Funding Program, Application and Instructions (Fiscal Year 2004)" available from DEC. Proposals should describe how the project will meet the objective of improving habitat for fish and wildlife or improving access to those resources.
Regional Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources staff are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC Regional staff will assemble a panel to evaluate and score submitted projects based upon an established rating criteria. Eligible projects must accomplish fish and wildlife habitat restoration, creation or improvement and /or access for hunting, trapping, fishing or fish and wildlife study or observation.
Applicants must own the land where the project will be implemented or have permission from the landowner to carry out the activity. Grant applications will be available at any of the DEC Regional Offices throughout New York and on the DEC website. Applications must be submitted to: Gerald Barnhart, Director, NYS DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-4750.
The grant application deadline is Friday, January 7, 2005. Grant applications may be obtained by contacting any DEC Regional Office or from the DEC website.
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