[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5568-5569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2581]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


North American Wetlands Conservation Act: Request for Small 
Grants Proposals for 1998

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of request for proposals.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to advise the public that the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is currently entertaining 
proposals that request match funding for wetland conservation projects 
under the Small Grants Program. Projects must meet the purposes of the 
North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989, as amended. Funding 
priority will be given to projects from new grant applications with new 
partners, where the project ensures long-term conservation benefits.

DATES: Proposals must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 1, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Proposals should be addressed to: North American Waterfowl 
and Wetlands Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax 
Drive, Suite 110, Arlington, Virginia 22203, Attn: Small Grants 
Coordinator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Keith A. Morehouse, Small Grants Coordinator, or Ms. Pat Bond, 
Secretary, North American Waterfowl and Wetlands Office, 703/358-1784; 
facsimile 703/358-2282.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the 1989 North American 
Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), as amended, is to promote long-term 
conservation of North American wetland ecosystems and the waterfowl and 
other migratory birds, fish and wildlife that depend upon such habitat 
through partnerships. Principal conservation actions supported by NAWCA 
are acquisition, creation, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and 
wetlands-associated habitat.
    In 1996 and 1997, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council 
(Council) initiated a pilot Small Grants program with an allocation of 
$250,000 per year. The objective was to promote long-term wetlands 
conservation activities through encouraging participation by new 
grantees and partners who may not otherwise be able to complete in the 
regular grants program. It was also hoped that successful participants 
in the Small Grants program would be encouraged to participate in the 
NAWCA-based Regular Grants program. Over the first two years, about 220 
proposals requesting a total of approximately $6.4 million competed for 
funding. Ultimately, 19 projects were funded. For 1998, with the 
approval of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, the Council has 
made the Small Grants program operational with a $500,000 allocation.
    To be considered for funding in 1998, proposals must have a grant 
request no greater than $50,000. All wetland conservation proposals 
with be accepted that meet the requirements of the Act. However, 
funding priority will be given to projects from new grant applicants 
(individuals or organizations who have never received a NAWCA grant) 
with new partners, where the project ensures long-term conservation 
benefits.
    In addition, proposals must represent on-the-ground projects, and 
any overhead in the project budget may be no greater than 10 percent of 
the grant amount. The anticipated magnitude of wetlands and wildlife 
resources benefits that will result from project execution is an 
important factor to be considered in proposal evaluation, and there 
should be a reasonable balance between acreages of wetlands and 
wetland-associated uplands.
    Please keep in mind that NAWCA and matching funds may only be used 
for wetlands acquisition, creation, enhancement, and/or restoration, 
they may not be used for signage, displays, trails or other education 
features, materials and equipment, even though the goal of the project 
may ultimately be to support wetland conservation education curricula. 
Projects oriented toward education are not ordinarily eligible for 
NAWCA funding because education is not a primary purpose of the Act. 
However, useful project outcomes can include educational benefits 
resulting from conservation actions. Research is also not a primary 
purpose of the Act, and research proposals will not be considered for 
funding.
    Even though requiring less total information than those submitted 
for the regular grants program, Small Grant proposals must still be 
clearly explained and meet the basic purposes given above and the 1:1 
or greater non-Federal matching requirements of the NAWCA. Small Grants 
projects must also be consistent with Council guidelines, objectives 
and policies. All non-Federal matching funds and proposed expenditures 
of grant funds must be consistent with Appendix A of the Small Grants 
instructions, ``Eligibility Requirements for Match of NAWCA Grant and 
Non-Federal Funds.''
    Small Grants proposals may be submitted at any time prior to the 
due date but must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 1, 1998. 
Address submitted proposals as follows: North American Waterfowl and 
Wetlands Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax 
Drive, Suite 110, Arlington, VA 22203, Attn: Small Grants Coordinator.
    It is essential that grant request packages be complete when they 
are received in the North American Waterfowl and Wetlands Office, 
including all of the documentation of partners (partner letters) with 
funding pledge amounts. Information of funding in partner letters, 
i.e., amounts and description regarding use, must correspond with 
budget amounts in the

[[Page 5569]]

budget table and any figures provided in the narrative.
    With the volume of proposals received, it is expected that the 
NAWWO will not be able to contact proposal sources to verify and/or 
request supplement data and/or materials. Thus, those proposals lacking 
required information or containing conflicting information will not be 
considered for funding.
    For more information, and to request the Small Grants instructional 
booklet, call (703) 358-1784, facsimile (703) 358-2282, or send e-mail 
to [email protected]. Contact the Small Grants Coordinator, Dr. 
Keith A. Morehouse, if you would like to receive the instructions 
booklet e-mail or on a computer disk.
    In conclusion, the Service requires that upon their arrival in the 
NAWWO, proposal packages must be complete with regard to all of the 
information requested, in the format requested, and on time.

    Dated: December 19, 1997.
Jamie Rappaport Clark,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2581 Filed 2-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-M