The US Fish and Wildlife Service has opened its grant application process for migratory bird habitat conservation. Applications should be geared toward habitat for neotropical migratory birds. These birds include herons, egrets, hawks, plovers, sandpipers, and more. http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/BirdList.shtm
What is a neotropical migratory bird?
For the purposes of this program, a neotropical migratory bird is one that breeds in or migrates through the United States, at least to some extent, and spends the non-breeding season in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, or South America. Birds from all taxa are included, so that proposals may benefit land birds, waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and others.
Who may apply?
An individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other private entity;
An officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state, or of any foreign government;
A state, municipality, or political subdivision of a state;
Any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or of any foreign country; or
An international organization.
Where may a project be located?
Project activities may be carried out in the USA, in Canada, or in any country or territory in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Should projects with activities in the USA coordinate with a Joint Venture?
For projects with activities in the USA, we strongly encourage applicants to contact the Migratory Bird Joint Venture (JV) where the project activities are planned. Proposals with activities that are coordinated with a JV will be more competitive.
Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Joint Venture
States: Eastern MN and IA, counties in KS, NE, and IA bordering the Missouri River, all of MI, IL, IN, OH, WI, and northern MO
Barbara Pardo, Joint Venture Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056
Paul Richert, Assistant Joint Venture Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056
Greg Soulliere, Science Coordinator
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2651 Coolidge Rd., Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48837
Bradly Potter, GIS Technician
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2651 Coolidge Rd., Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48837
What kinds of projects are eligible?
Protection and management of neotropical migratory bird populations;
Maintenance, management, protection, and restoration of neotropical migratory bird habitat;
Research and monitoring;
Law enforcement; and
Community outreach and education.
Can project funds be used for environmental mitigation?
While eligible, a proposal for such work would be considered lower priority. NMBCA is interested in funding new conservation work that results in a net gain for conservation.
What is the duration of a grant?
The funding period is typically two years. A grant project period starts on the date on which the grant is awarded, which typically occurs within 3 months after the selected grants are announced.
What are the match requirements?
Federal funds (i.e., fund from the USA government) requested under the Act must be matched 3:1 by non-Federal funds. That is, for every Federal dollar, a minimum of three non-Federal dollars are required
