Trial Format

Grant Opportunities

Growing Greener Grant program – Growing Greener II provides grant monies to:

Restore rivers and streams that are affected by erosion and runoff from other pollution, reviving these waters to full use for our communities and our businesses, as well as anglers and boaters.
Strengthen our boroughs, towns and cities by preparing for reuse contaminated industrial sites known as "brownfields" --- an effort that improves the environment and creates jobs.
Protect working farms and preserve natural areas and open spaces while making improvements to our state parks and fish and game properties
Direct funds to revitalize Pennsylvania's towns by investing in Community Park and riverfront restoration, preserving historic properties, housing and mixed-use development and offering incentives to promote "smart growth" planning.
Support investments in energy production to promote diversification, including funding for wind farms, solar cells and alternative fuels, promoting the reuse of coal waste and encouraging reductions in carbon emissions.

Growing Greener I
Boating Facility Grant program – full news release
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is encouraging county and municipal governments interested in the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, or rehabilitation of public boating facilities to apply for funding through the Boating Facility Grant program.

The program is designed to help local governments provide or improve public recreational boat access facilities in their communities that are open and available for general public use. Private businesses, non-profit, not-for-profit organizations and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local government for funding.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – NFWF grant program
NFWF provides grant funding for projects that benefit multiple species, achieve a variety of resource management objectives, and/or lead to revised management practices that reduce the causes of habitat degradation. A special emphasis is placed on larger projects that demonstrate a landscape-level approach and produce lasting, broad-based results on the ground.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Small Watershed Grants Program
The Chesapeake Bay promotes community-based efforts to protect and restore the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The program provides grants to organizations working to improve the condition of their local watershed while building citizen-based resource stewardship.

Water Resource Education Network Grant Program – WREN grants
Funds are available for Pennsylvania community-based educational projects from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund through the Water Resources Education Network (WREN). Grants are awarded for educational projects that protect and improve either a community’s public drinking water source waters or its watershed. The League encourages coalitions of local or regional organizations such as civic groups, government or other public interest organizations to submit proposals for either a drinking water source water protection project or a watershed protection project. Funding for watershed protection projects comes from the DEP’s Nonpoint Source Management Program through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. EPA. Funding for source water protection projects comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund.

Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 for projects occurring between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The deadline for applications is April 3, 2006. Applications must be postmarked (if mailed) or received (if hand delivered) by 4:00 p.m. on April 3, 2006 at the following address:
            League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund
            Attn: WREN,
            226 Forster Street
            Harrisburg, PA 17102-3220
To apply, contact Sherene Hess, WREN project director, at (724) 465-4978, or visit the WREN website.

Dirt and Gravel Road Program - Eligible municipalities are encouraged to apply for funds through the Dirt and Gravel Road Program to correct erosion problems on dirt and gravel roads that affect water quality in local streams. For more information pertaining to Susquehanna County contact Dirt and Gravel Road Program Coordinator, Matt Purdy, at the Susquehanna County Conservation District, 278-4600 ext. 285. Information can also be found at the Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies website.

SIGN-UP FOR CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS ANNOUNCED -

HARRISBURG, January 3, 2007—USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the request for proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). For fiscal year 2007, up to $300,000 will be awarded to help Pennsylvania farmers and other business owners improve water quality while they conserve energy.
"The CIG program stimulates the development and adoption of new and innovative approaches and technologies to managing our natural resources more effectively and efficiently," said Craig Derickson, State Conservationist. "It allows applicants to create practical solutions to address conservation and resource management."

NRCS administers CIG. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, will be awarded through a competitive grants process. Applications will be accepted from all eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals, including federally-recognized tribes. In addition to a state component, entities may be eligible for the National CIG component, in which $20 million is available and awarded projects can go up to $1 Million.
There are four natural resource concerns categories in which applications will be accepted for FY 2007:
· Water Resources− Items to be considered include feed Management to reduce nutrients, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.
· Soil Resources− Items to be considered include soil erosion, organic matter depletion, and soil condition deterioration.
· Atmospheric Resources− Item to be considered includes objectionable odors.

· Wildlife Habitat− Item to be considered includes restoration or improvement of critical habitat for threatened and endangered and/or declining species.

Applicants should explain how large a geographic area the project would benefit. These projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state or nationwide in scope. Applications should describe the use of innovative technologies or approaches, or both, to address a natural resource conservation concern or concerns.

Funding for CIG is made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. All proposed CIG projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers. CIG funds that are used to provide direct or indirect payments to individuals or entities to implement structural, vegetative or management practices are subject to the $450,000 EQIP payment limitation. CIG is not a research program but rather a tool to stimulate the adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high likelihood of success, and are likely candidates for eventual technology transfer.
CIG will fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Technologies and approaches that are commonly used in the geographic area covered by the application, and which are eligible for funding through EQIP, are not eligible for funding through CIG. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation projects or activities published in the Announcement of Program Funding.

CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to three years. Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $75,000.

At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. While NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award, the grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project.

To view the Announcement of Program Funding or to apply visit www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.html for the state component. For national CIG component information, visit http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig, or www.grants.gov/. For more information about other NRCS conservation programs visit www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture with the legislated directive to provide one-on-one technical assistance to landowners to conserve and improve the natural resources, primarily on private working lands. NRCS works in cooperation with conservation districts and other federal, state, and local governments as well as private organizations to accomplish this goal. NRCS is proud to be a member of the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FARMERS MAY APPLY NOW FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3, 2007− USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently taking applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP one of the largest programs in the 2002 Farm Bill is a voluntary conservation program that provides producers with incentive payments for conservation activities that help limit soil erosion, improve water and air quality, and protect wildlife habitat.

New to EQIP this year is the Winter Cover Crop Program and Nutrient Management-Use Efficiency Program. The cover crop program offers an annual incentive payment on eligible acres at $20/acre/year, up to 100 acres per year for up to 3 years. Under this program, approximately $1.2 million is available for winter cover crops. Under the nutrient management-use efficiency program, Pennsylvania NRCS will reward producers who implement nutrient management techniques that go beyond the minimum requirements of the nutrient management standard. Incentive payments for the development and implementation of a nutrient management plan will be authorized on eligible acres for up to 3 years.

Producers engaged in livestock or agricultural production are eligible for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, pasture, private non-industrial forest land, and other farm or ranch lands. NRCS works with the participant to develop a conservation plan that identifies problems, land use objectives, and planned practices. This plan becomes the basis of the cost-share agreement between NRCS and the participant. NRCS provides cost-share payments to landowners under these agreements that can be up to 10 years in duration. Persons interested in entering into a cost-share agreement for EQIP assistance should apply by February 2, 2007 to be considered in this second round of funding. Depending on the requests received, and the available funding, this may be the last funding opportunity in 2007.

For more information about the program, visit www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact your local USDA Service Center.

###

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

2007 Program Sign-Up - The United States Department of Agriculture- Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Applications received before February 2, 2007 will be considered for funding in 2007. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. The USDA-NRCS provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts. The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, the USDA-NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

More information on these and other programs is available on the web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/. To apply for these programs please visit or call the USDA-NRCS office in Montrose 570-278-1011 ext. 3.



> Home > Calendar > What's New > Projects > About Us > Directors > Staff > FAQ's > Programs > Links > Permit Applications > Education > Grants > Directions	Grant Opportunities Growing Greener Grant program – Growing Greener II provides grant monies to: Restore rivers and streams that are affected by erosion and runoff from other pollution, reviving these waters to full use for our communities and our businesses, as well as anglers and boaters. Strengthen our boroughs, towns and cities by preparing for reuse contaminated industrial sites known as "brownfields" --- an effort that improves the environment and creates jobs. Protect working farms and preserve natural areas and open spaces while making improvements to our state parks and fish and game properties Direct funds to revitalize Pennsylvania's towns by investing in Community Park and riverfront restoration, preserving historic properties, housing and mixed-use development and offering incentives to promote "smart growth" planning. Support investments in energy production to promote diversification, including funding for wind farms, solar cells and alternative fuels, promoting the reuse of coal waste and encouraging reductions in carbon emissions. Growing Greener I Boating Facility Grant program – full news release The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is encouraging county and municipal governments interested in the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, or rehabilitation of public boating facilities to apply for funding through the Boating Facility Grant program. The program is designed to help local governments provide or improve public recreational boat access facilities in their communities that are open and available for general public use. Private businesses, non-profit, not-for-profit organizations and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local government for funding. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – NFWF grant program NFWF provides grant funding for projects that benefit multiple species, achieve a variety of resource management objectives, and/or lead to revised management practices that reduce the causes of habitat degradation. A special emphasis is placed on larger projects that demonstrate a landscape-level approach and produce lasting, broad-based results on the ground. Chesapeake Bay Foundation - Small Watershed Grants Program The Chesapeake Bay promotes community-based efforts to protect and restore the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The program provides grants to organizations working to improve the condition of their local watershed while building citizen-based resource stewardship. Water Resource Education Network Grant Program – WREN grants Funds are available for Pennsylvania community-based educational projects from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund through the Water Resources Education Network (WREN). Grants are awarded for educational projects that protect and improve either a community’s public drinking water source waters or its watershed. The League encourages coalitions of local or regional organizations such as civic groups, government or other public interest organizations to submit proposals for either a drinking water source water protection project or a watershed protection project. Funding for watershed protection projects comes from the DEP’s Nonpoint Source Management Program through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. EPA. Funding for source water protection projects comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 for projects occurring between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The deadline for applications is April 3, 2006. Applications must be postmarked (if mailed) or received (if hand delivered) by 4:00 p.m. on April 3, 2006 at the following address: League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund Attn: WREN, 226 Forster Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-3220 To apply, contact Sherene Hess, WREN project director, at (724) 465-4978, or visit the WREN website. Dirt and Gravel Road Program - Eligible municipalities are encouraged to apply for funds through the Dirt and Gravel Road Program to correct erosion problems on dirt and gravel roads that affect water quality in local streams. For more information pertaining to Susquehanna County contact Dirt and Gravel Road Program Coordinator, Matt Purdy, at the Susquehanna County Conservation District, 278-4600 ext. 285. Information can also be found at the Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies website. SIGN-UP FOR CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS ANNOUNCED - HARRISBURG, January 3, 2007—USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the request for proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). For fiscal year 2007, up to $300,000 will be awarded to help Pennsylvania farmers and other business owners improve water quality while they conserve energy. "The CIG program stimulates the development and adoption of new and innovative approaches and technologies to managing our natural resources more effectively and efficiently," said Craig Derickson, State Conservationist. "It allows applicants to create practical solutions to address conservation and resource management." NRCS administers CIG. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, will be awarded through a competitive grants process. Applications will be accepted from all eligible government or non-government organizations or individuals, including federally-recognized tribes. In addition to a state component, entities may be eligible for the National CIG component, in which $20 million is available and awarded projects can go up to $1 Million. There are four natural resource concerns categories in which applications will be accepted for FY 2007: · Water Resources− Items to be considered include feed Management to reduce nutrients, nutrient management, and integrated pest management. · Soil Resources− Items to be considered include soil erosion, organic matter depletion, and soil condition deterioration. · Atmospheric Resources− Item to be considered includes objectionable odors. · Wildlife Habitat− Item to be considered includes restoration or improvement of critical habitat for threatened and endangered and/or declining species. Applicants should explain how large a geographic area the project would benefit. These projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state or nationwide in scope. Applications should describe the use of innovative technologies or approaches, or both, to address a natural resource conservation concern or concerns. Funding for CIG is made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. All proposed CIG projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers. CIG funds that are used to provide direct or indirect payments to individuals or entities to implement structural, vegetative or management practices are subject to the $450,000 EQIP payment limitation. CIG is not a research program but rather a tool to stimulate the adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high likelihood of success, and are likely candidates for eventual technology transfer. CIG will fund projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Technologies and approaches that are commonly used in the geographic area covered by the application, and which are eligible for funding through EQIP, are not eligible for funding through CIG. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation projects or activities published in the Announcement of Program Funding. CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to three years. Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed $75,000. At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. While NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award, the grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project. To view the Announcement of Program Funding or to apply visit www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.html for the state component. For national CIG component information, visit http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig, or www.grants.gov/. For more information about other NRCS conservation programs visit www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture with the legislated directive to provide one-on-one technical assistance to landowners to conserve and improve the natural resources, primarily on private working lands. NRCS works in cooperation with conservation districts and other federal, state, and local governments as well as private organizations to accomplish this goal. NRCS is proud to be a member of the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership. ### The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FARMERS MAY APPLY NOW FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP) HARRISBURG, Jan. 3, 2007− USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently taking applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP one of the largest programs in the 2002 Farm Bill is a voluntary conservation program that provides producers with incentive payments for conservation activities that help limit soil erosion, improve water and air quality, and protect wildlife habitat. New to EQIP this year is the Winter Cover Crop Program and Nutrient Management-Use Efficiency Program. The cover crop program offers an annual incentive payment on eligible acres at $20/acre/year, up to 100 acres per year for up to 3 years. Under this program, approximately $1.2 million is available for winter cover crops. Under the nutrient management-use efficiency program, Pennsylvania NRCS will reward producers who implement nutrient management techniques that go beyond the minimum requirements of the nutrient management standard. Incentive payments for the development and implementation of a nutrient management plan will be authorized on eligible acres for up to 3 years. Producers engaged in livestock or agricultural production are eligible for EQIP. Eligible land includes cropland, pasture, private non-industrial forest land, and other farm or ranch lands. NRCS works with the participant to develop a conservation plan that identifies problems, land use objectives, and planned practices. This plan becomes the basis of the cost-share agreement between NRCS and the participant. NRCS provides cost-share payments to landowners under these agreements that can be up to 10 years in duration. Persons interested in entering into a cost-share agreement for EQIP assistance should apply by February 2, 2007 to be considered in this second round of funding. Depending on the requests received, and the available funding, this may be the last funding opportunity in 2007. For more information about the program, visit www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov, or contact your local USDA Service Center. ### The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2007 Program Sign-Up - The United States Department of Agriculture- Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Applications received before February 2, 2007 will be considered for funding in 2007. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. The USDA-NRCS provides technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts. The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, the USDA-NRCS provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed. More information on these and other programs is available on the web at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/. To apply for these programs please visit or call the USDA-NRCS office in Montrose 570-278-1011 ext. 3.